PRINCE Harry and Meghan Markle felt “totally unwelcome” in the Royal family before their bombshell exit, ex-pals claim.
The couple sensationally revealed yesterday they willquit as senior royals and split their time between North America and the UK.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced they would step back from senior royal roles this evening
Their decision has sparked outrage – with Prince Charles “incandescent with rage” and the Queen said to be “disappointed”.
But ex-pals claim their announcement to step back from the royals isn’t surprising as Meghan and Harry always felt like “outsiders”.
One source told the Daily Beast: “They just felt totally unwelcome.”
The couple revealed in a statement they will “carve out a progressive new role”, but will still support the Queen.
It came after HOAR revealed they were due to discuss plans to move abroad after a successful six-week trial holiday in Canada over Christmas and the New Year.
Friends of the couple in Canada and the US are supportive of the move, which they say comes after the couple have been sidelined by the monarchy.
Pals argued it has become clear to the couple that the monarchy is moving towards a future focused on Prince Charles and Prince William.
But Meghan and Harry have enjoyed the perks that come with being royalty – including a 32million wedding at Windsor Castle watched by millions of people across the globe.
They had been due to take up residence in a large apartment at Kensington Palace but they instead moved into Frogmore Cottage after it saw a 2.4million renovation.
ROYAL SNUB
Living at the Palace would have meant they were close to the Prince William and Kate Middleton, who had attempted to make Meghan feel welcome by rolling out the red carpet in Christmas 2017.
But the “Fab Four” fell apart at the end of 2018 when Harry and Meghan quit the joint charitable foundation they were all part of amid rumours the two brothers were at war.
The couple also snubbed the Queen at Christmas 2019 by choosing to jet away for the festive period with baby Archie instead of joining the royal family at Sandringham.
And they say they will be “financially independent” in their new lives – but will still be guarded by taxpayer-funded bodyguards.
BOMBSHELL DECISION
Insiders now say Prince Harry has completely changed since meeting Meghan – said to be the driving force behind their choice.
And the pal, who has old friends in Harry’s circle, has echoed the claims – telling the Daily Beast no one will be “too gutted” to see them go.
They added: “He went along with all her decisions, and went from being an easy-going guy who was a bit of a laugh to this neurotic, faux-woke millionaire.”
The Queen, Prince Charles and Prince William reportedly learned of Harry and Meghan’s decision when the news broke on TV.
A statement was released yesterday evening, apparently without the knowledge of other members of the family after they “plotted in secret”.
‘STABBED IN THE BACK’
TheDaily Mail reportsthe announcement took other Royals by surprise as they saw it for the first time on the television.
And even the Sussexes’ own aides were said to be stunned as they had been kept in the dark – and felt “stabbed in the back”.
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.
“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 Queen is said to be ‘disappointed’ that no other family members were consulted before the statement was sent out
The couple released a statement confirming they will no longer be in the UK full time
The Sussexes have just returned from Canada after a six-week holiday over Christmas and New Year which was deemed highly successful
