In a stunning declaration, Britain’s Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle said Wednesday they are planning “to step back” as senior members of the royal family and “work to become financially independent.”
A statement issued by the couple Wednesday evening also said they intend to “balance” their time between the U.K. and North America. It wasn’t specific about where in North America they would go, though they recently holidayed in Canada. Meghan was born in Los Angeles.
Before marrying Harry in 2018, the Duchess of Sussex worked as an actress. She lived in Toronto for about seven years while shooting the dramatic TV series Suits. The royal couple has one son, Archie, who is eight months old.
“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,” the couple said in a statement.
“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.”
Harry, 35, is a grandson of Queen Elizabeth II and is sixth in line to the British throne.