Prince Harry and Meghan Markle shocked the world last week when they announced that they will be stepping down from being senior royals. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex then noted that they wish to be “financially independent.” Also, they have plans to live part-time in Canada and the UK.
After their announcement, Queen Elizabeth summoned senior royals for a face-to-face talk to Sandringham on Monday, so they could discuss Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s withdrawal and the couple's future roles. Now, the Buckingham Palace stated that Her Majesty described the talk as “very constructive discussions.” It also revealed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will go through a “period transition.”
“Today my family had very constructive discussions on the future of my grandson and his family,” the statement read. “My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghan's desire to create a new life as a young family. Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time working Members of the Royal Family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family.”
Although Queen Elizabeth said that the final decisions will be “reached in the coming days,” a report revealed that there may be a job already waiting for Prince Harry in Canada. Canadian politician John Horgan told the BBC that Prince Harry may be a suitable replacement to be British Columbia’s Lieutenant Governor, which is the viceregal representative of the Canadian Monarch, of Queen Elizabeth II.
“Harry could be located in Ottawa and my appeal to him would be Lieutenant governor of Columbia which would continue to be head of state for the people of British Columbia," he said. “The Queen’s representative the Lieutenant governor. We currently have an outstanding one, Janet Austin, but I am sure Prince Harry would be a suitable replacement.”
While many criticized Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for their decision, John Horgan noted that “it is modern times, it is 2020.” He said that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are a young couple who want to experience the world without being tied up to their royal obligations.
The Canadian politician then praised Queen Elizabeth for being open-minded and “far-sighted” for not only allowing her grandson Prince Harry and his wife to step down from being senior royals but also supporting their decision.
