Prince Harry and Meghan Markle didn’t just shock the world when they announced they were stepping away form the Royal Family, they also shocked the Queen.
WATCH: Never-before-seen pictures in Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s year in review
In an incredibly harsh, two-line statement, released shortly after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s bombshell announcement, the BBC learnt that neither the Queen nor Prince Charles were consulted before making the announcement that they were stepping away as ‘senior members’ of the Royal Family.
“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.”
On top of this frankly blunt statement from the Royal Family, the BBC claims that Her Majesty was not consulted before Meghan and Harry issued their personal statement.
“BREAKING: BBC Understands that no other member of the Royal Family was consulted before Harry and Meghan issued their personal statement tonight, the Palace is understood to be ‘disappointed’.”
Early this morning (or Wednesday evening UK time), the Duke and Duchess of Sussex issued a statement to their 10.1 million followers, announcing their departure from the Royal Family.
“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.”
They continued: “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.
“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.”
The move follows the duo’s six-week Christmas break holiday in the North American destination of Canada and insiders say they would like to make it their second home.
Harry and Meghan have had plenty of support from Canadian and American friends, in stark contrast to their perceived sidelining in royal circles recently.
The couple are said to feel at home in Canada, where they have a large number of friends. Meghan worked on her former TV show Suits in the country.
Harry and Meghan are said to be unhappy that Prince William and Kate Middleton have taken such a central role in the future of the monarchy, and they are now keen to strike out and create their own path.
“It has been made very clear by the institution that the Sussexes are not central to the future plan,” a source told The Sun.
“Just look at the picture released last week of the Queen with the Prince of Wales, Duke of Cambridge and George.”
