From Marie Claire
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Earlier this week, news broke that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal exit will be permanent.
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Buckingham Palace released a statement outlining the news and what it means for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who will lose their remaining royal patronage and honorific titles.
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In response, Harry and Meghan themselves issued a tense statement, which, according to sources close to the royal family, left Harry’s brother, Prince William, “very sad and genuinely shocked”.
Last week, Buckingham Palace released its statement that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal exit will be permanent – and what that meant for their remaining titles and patronage. Specifically, Harry is stripped of his military titles of honor and both the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are removed from their official royal patronage.
In its official statement on the matter, the palace wrote:
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have confirmed to Her Majesty the Queen that they will not be returning as working members of the Royal Family.
After discussions with The Duke, The Queen has confirmed in writing that it is not possible to continue the work of The Royal Family, to carry on the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service. The honorary military appointments and royal patronages of the Duke and Duchess will therefore be returned to Her Majesty, before being redistributed to working members of the royal family.
Although they are all saddened by their decision, the Duke and Duchess remain much-loved members of the family. “
Related: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are expecting again
In response, Harry and Meghan released a brief (and widely interpreted as tense) statement of their own. “As evidenced by their work over the past year, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain committed to their duty and service to the UK and the rest of the world and have offered their continued support to the organizations they have represented, regardless of the Official role. All can live a life of service. Service provision is universal, “said a spokesman for the couple.
Harry and Meghan’s statement has reportedly upset some in royal circles, including Harry’s brother, Prince William. According to a Sunday times report, William is “truly sad and genuinely shocked” by the statement, which another source close to the royal family described as “malicious and insulting to the queen.”
To explain the outrage the Sussexes have aroused in royal circles, another source close to the situation said, “You’re not answering the Queen – it’s just not ready.” According to Page Six, William is not alone and his other members of the royal family are also “stunned”, not only by the fact that Harry and Meghan have publicly responded to the palace’s statement, but also by the tone of the statement who their spokesperson shared.
In the wake of the royal exit, William would struggle to cope with the breakup of his relationship with Harry.
“Once he got over the fury of events, he was left with the absence of his brother,” explained a royal aide. They had shared everything about their lives – an office, a foundation, meeting most days – and there was a lot of fun along the way. He will miss it forever. ‘
William is also reportedly feeling more personal pressure now that Harry has relinquished royal duties. A friend of William’s said the Duke of Cambridge “definitely feels the pressure now that it’s all on him. His future looks different because of his brother’s choices – it’s not easy.”
I hope any extra tension between the royals is just the result of miscommunication and they can fix things when travel becomes possible again.
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