Prince Harry and Meghan Markle officially stepped down from their senior royal roles at the end of March. While the couple received a lot of hate for their withdrawal, Queen Elizabeth released a statement that she and the Royal Family members support the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s decision. But, just like most decisions, theirs also come with a price.
Even though Queen Elizabeth allowed Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to step down from being senior royals, she still has the last say before they go. Her Majesty gave them a couple of deals, and the Duke of Sussex appeared to be really upset with one of them.
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, which deeply upset him.
“That’s been a tough pill to swallow, and the one that has been most painful to Meghan to witness him go through. It’s the one that has made Harry most emotional,” one of the sources told the authors of the book Finding Freedom.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams, previously, pointed out that Prince Harry showed sadness during his Sentebale speech. He may have accepted Queen Elizabeth’s ultimatum, but it was hard for him.
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!”
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 was surprised the couple gave her a “public ultimatum.”
