In 2017, Meghan Markle became a national British icon when she married the Duke of Sussex, more commonly known as Prince Harry. Megan Markle, a former actress, is the second American member of the British royal family. Markle was raised in Los Angeles, California and has a mixed ethnic heritage being half African American and half Caucasian. She is not the first American to be wedded into the royal family but is the first divorcee, which initially sparked controversy among the Royal family. It was a surprise for many when the couple first announced their relationship because marrying someone from a prestigious royal stature was the norm in the British monarchy. The royal family openly accepted Meghan and Harry’s relationship despite the public’s concerns, but upon this recent announcement of stepping out as members of the British Royal Family, there has been some tension rising in the UK. 

“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,” said Meghan Markle.

The announcement of Meghan and Harry giving up their status as Prince and Duchess shocked many followers of the royal family around the world. Meghan and Prince Harry intend to start a new life away from the royal family in attempts to be financially independent. A lot of questions have risen about what would happen to the royal line of succession with the couple’s decision to step down. Unless the Parliament removes a person from the line of succession, the line remains the same with Prince Harry being sixth and his son Archie seventh. The phrase “financially independent” has seemed to spur rumors on Prince Harry being a victim of a feud between the Queen and Meghan Markle. Many speculate that the Queen did not like Meghan’s background as an American divorcee.

“My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghan’s desire to create a new life as a young family. Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time working Members of the Royal Family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family,” said Queen Elizabeth. 

The couple had originally planned to split their time between Canada and the UK, showing support to the Queen while living a semi-normal life, but were given the option of being fully involved with the royal family. On the other hand, Meghan and Harry chose to live separately, and the couple will no longer use the titles ‘His and Her’ Royal Highness with the changes being effective in Spring. With the plan to move to Canada, many asked if Justin Trudeau, the prime minister of Canada, would help cover security costs for the royal couple. Since no decision between Harry and Meghan is final, Justin Trudeau responded with a vague reply that the royal family still had decisions that had to be made.

“There are still a lot of decisions to be taken by the royal family, by the Sussex’s themselves, as to what level of engagement they choose to have and these are things that we are obviously supportive of their reflections, but have responsibilities in that as well” said Justin Trudeau. 

While their plans are not finalized, Meghan and Prince Harry express content with their decision to leave. The whole world is waiting for the royal family to start their moving processes and to see the result of Meghan and Harry’s actions.

“I have been seeing the Royal Family on the news a lot lately after Meghan and Prince Harry announced their decision. I wonder if this could be a publicity stunt and what the major effects will be on the royal family since everything is not publicized by the royal family.” said senior Janaki Mutyala. 

Regardless of what the media claims, the royal family appears supportive of the couple’s decision. Until the couples plan is finalized, they will remain living in their cottage until the royal family, the United Kingdom, and Canada reach an agreement on what will happen next.