Entertainment

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry kept Queen in dark over 'bombshell statement'


The Duke and Duchess of Sussex did not consult the Queen or the Prince of Wales about the contents of their bombshell statement to “step back” as senior royals and divide their time between the UK and North America, it has emerged.

It is understood Harry and Meghan – who are said to be worth a combined £35m – had just begun talks with the Queen and Charles about their future roles when they made their decision to go public.

The head of state and her son were only recently informed of the Sussexes intention to explore their public positions as members of the monarchy, and were not aware the statement was due to be issued.

The mood at Buckingham Palace is understood to be one of disappointment while the BBC has reported that senior royals have been “hurt” by the announcement.

The sequence of events is likely to lead commentators to speculate whether a rift has developed at the heart of the monarchy.

Speculation is now likely to grow of a rift at the heart of the monarchy

Harry and Meghan said in their ground-breaking personal statement they will work to become “financially independent”, while continuing to “fully support” the Queen.

But Buckingham Palace warned the couple their decision to “step back” from the royal family will be “complicated”.

A Palace spokeswoman said: “Discussions with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are at an early stage.

“We understand their desire to take a different approach, but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through.”

The Sussex’s financial aims have been outlined on their official website which states the couple “…value the ability to earn a professional income, which in the current structure they are prohibited from doing. For this reason they have made the choice to become members of the royal family with financial independence.”

Any future role which the couple take on for financial gain will have to be scrutinised to ensure they are not seen as profiteering from their position as members of the monarchy.

Royal commentators are likely to interpret the couple’s decision – and the Jeffrey Epstein sex scandal that has engulfed the Duke of York – as a full-blown crisis for the monarchy.

Harry – one of the most popular members of the royal family with the public – and Andrew will now have a far lower public profile at a time of potentially great change for the country as Britain leaves the EU.

There have been repeated reports of problems in the relationship between Prince William and Prince Harry and their wives Kate and Meghan

The couple’s move follows weeks of speculation about their future after they took an extended break from royal duties over the festive period.

In an ITV documentary they spoke about the pressures they have been facing and family rifts, and in a separate move Harry issued a damning statement against the media accusing sections of the press of bullying his wife.

The couple said in their statement: “After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution.

“We intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the royal family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty the Queen.

“It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment.

“We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to the Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages.

“This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity.”

Read More

Top news stories today





READ SOURCE

Leave a Reply

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you accept our use of cookies.