PRINCE Harry and Megan Markle have dropped a bombshell by deciding to leave the United Kingdom and move to Canada.
The Palace has confirmed that the couple plan to take a “step back” from royal duties and plan to pay for themselves, but why have they decided to leave the country?
Harry and Meghan gush over their baby boy Archie
Why are Meghan Markle and Prince Harry moving to Canada?
Prince Harry and Meghan are moving away from Britain as they want to create new roles for themselves within the Royal Family.
In a statement, they explained: 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.”
The couple also opened up about how the move will give them more space as a family.
“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,” they said.
Following the move, the pair will quit their positions as senior royals and instead split their time between Britain and North America – with Canada expected to be their second home.
The decision comes after the couple reportedly spent a successful six-week trial period in Canada over the Christmas holidays.
Friends of the couple in both the Canada and the US are supportive of their decision to spend more time across the pond.
Harry and Meghan all smiles as they leave Canada House
Where will Prince Harry and Meghan Markle live in Canada?
At this point in time it is unclear which Canadian city The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be moving to.
However, the royal couple spent their six-week trial holiday on the west coast in Vancouver, along with Meghans mother Doria Ragland – so this could be a possible destination.
During their stay there, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited Canada House to thank the Canadian people for their warm hospitality during their time in the country.
It was their first public appearance since returning from Canada where they spent Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years as part of their extended break from royal duties.
Harry and Meghan also personally thanked Canadian High Commissioner Janice Charette and her staff for making them feel welcome.
The Duke and Duchess on tour in South Africa
How will their royal duties change?
Meghan and Harry plan to be “financially independent” and move away from their current senior roles in the Royal Family – but will still support the Queen.
In a joint statement released by the royal couple, they explained how they roles will change moving forward.
“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,” they explained in the statement.
“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.”
The couple stated that they will be focus on new charitable work.
Prince Harry and Meghan at the Lion King premiere
What has been said about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision to leave the UK?
The Palace released a statement shortly after the announcement was made.
It read: “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.”
Friends of the couple believe that it has become clear to the couple that the monarchy is moving towards a future focused on Prince Charles and Prince William.
One told HOAR: They are back to work. They have nothing to hide and have got so much good work to do.
“But it has been made very clear by the institution that the Sussexes are not central to the future plan.
Just look atthe picture released last weekof the Queen with the Prince of Wales, Duke of Cambridge and George.
Good Morning Britain co-presenter Piers Morgan slammed former Suits actress Megan on Twitter for the move and even blamed her for splitting up the Royal Family.
“People say I’m too critical of Meghan Markle – but she ditched her family, ditched her dad, ditched most of her old friends, split Harry from William and has now split him from the Royal Family. I rest my case,” he said.
He also went one step further and commented: “What Megan wants, Megan gets.”
