In news that has sent shockwaves around the globe, Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan have decided to “step back” from royal duties and split their time between the UK and the United States.
But now, the Queen has broken her silence with an official Palace statement and it doesn’t seem like she is at all amused by the news.
The Queen has broken her silence with an official statement.
(Images: Getty Images)In the statement released on behalf of Her Majesty, the move was described as “complicated” and that it’s still at “an early stage.”
“Discussions with The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are at an early stage,” the statement issued by Deputy Communications Secretary to The Queen, Hannah Howard, reads.
“We understand their desire to take a different approach, but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through.”
WATCH BELOW: Prince Harry on Queen Elizabeth. Post continues after video…
What’s more, royal correspondent for the BBC Jonny Dymond revealed that no senior members of the royal family were warned about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s decision.
A palace source tells the BBC that senior members of the Royal family feel “hurt” by the announcement that Harry and Meghan are to withdraw from their current Royal roles. The source confirmed that no members of the royal family were consulted.
In Harry and Meghan’s statement shared to Sussex Royal the couple wrote that there had been “many months of reflection and internal discussions,” prior to making their decision.
“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,” the statement read.
“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,” they added, addressing their followers.
“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. We look forward to sharing the full details of this exciting next step in due course, as we continue to collaborate with Her Majesty The Queen, The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge and all relevant parties. Until then, please accept our deepest thanks for your continued support.”
According to Harry and Meghan, there had been “many months of reflection and internal discussions,” prior to making their decision.
(Getty)2019 was a self-described “bumpy” year for the Queen.
Not only did Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan’s confess that they struggle with royal life in a tell-all documentary but her son Prince Andrew stepped back from royal duties following a disastrous Newsnight interview about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and her husband Prince Philip found himself at the centre of a literal car crash.
“Small steps taken in faith and in hope can overcome long-held differences and deep-seated divisions to bring harmony and understanding,” she said during her Christmas broadcast.
“The path, of course, is not always smooth, and may at times this year have felt quite bumpy, but small steps can make a world of difference.”
The Queen reflected on her “bumpy” year in her Christmas speech.
(Image: Press Association)
