Queen Elizabeth previously released a statement saying that she and the Royal Family members are supporting Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision to step down as senior royals. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex then packed their bags and moved to Los Angeles to make a fresh start with their son Archie.
While it seemed like Queen Elizabeth openly accepted Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s withdrawal, a report revealed that the couple’s decision overwhelmed Her Majesty. Royal commentator Wesley Kerr shared on Channel 5's The Queen: Duty Before Family? that the Queen would never be forced to give in to the couple’s conditions because she is not one to do something that she did not feel was right.
Wesley Kerr said that even though Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s announcement was shocking, what surprised Queen Elizabeth the most was that the couple gave her a “public ultimatum.”
"Surprised at Meghan and Harry's statement that these are the terms, that we are going to be different sorts of royals, that we are going to collaborate with the Queen, perhaps on our own terms,” he said.
After announcing their decision, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s website stated that they would “carve out a progressive new role” and “adjust their working model.” But after their discussion with Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles, and Prince William, it was decided that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will completely step back from royal duties as of spring of 2020.
And even though the couple will still be known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, they can “no longer formally represent” Queen Elizabeth in their new lives. Also, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will not only lose their HRH titles, but Prince William’s brother will lose his military titles as well.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams pointed out that Prince Harry showed sadness during his Sentebale speech. He may have accepted Queen Elizabeth’s ultimatum, but it was a hard pill for him to swallow.
Richard Fitzwilliams added that although it appears that Prince Harry is ready to move on from his senior royal obligations to being a non-working royal, he may miss his old life in the future. The Duke of Sussex is royal by birth, and being a prince had always been a part of him. The royal commentator then noted that “independence has its price!”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced the name of their new foundation Archewell in April. Unfortunately for the couple, their plans for their new endeavor came to a screeching halt due to the coronavirus outbreak.
