Harry and Meghan: from a fairytale wedding to the "Megxit"
The Dukes of Sussex gave up British royal titles and public funds to live a more independent life.
Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, opted for a more independent life by retiring from their post as high-ranking members of the British royal family.
UK media were quick to call the move "Megxit", comparing the couple's decision to the UK's upcoming exit from the EU (Brexit).
The couple tied the knot in a fairytale wedding in May 2018 and were appointed Duke and Duchess of Sussex by Queen Elizabeth II.
Harry is a known member of the British royal family as the son of Prince Charles and the late Diana Spencer, Princess of Wales, and the queen's grandson. Meghan, on the other hand, was an actress in the American lawyer drama Suits and lived in Toronto, Canada.
The couple claimed that they met on a blind date and fell in love.
Their decision to step back from royal duties came as a surprise to royal followers, but even more so to the royal family itself, as the couple did not inform the queen of their statement on January 8.
Harry and Meghan, on their recent Africa tour, spoke exclusively to UK television channel ITV, where they expressed how the past two years have been difficult for them due to media scrutiny.
"Everything that happened, and what happened to him, is incredibly important every day, and I am not paranoid," said Harry, referring to his late mother Diana and her relationship with the press, which ultimately played a role in her death. , according to some experts.
Harry also said that he fears the same thing will happen to his wife and wants to protect her from the same fate.
Harry's mother, Diana, died in a car accident in Paris in 1997, while the paparazzi followed her on a motorcycle. The tragic event occurred when the prince was only 12 years old.
"Part of this job is putting on a brave face, but for me and my wife there are many things that hurt, especially when most of them are false," he added.
Meghan, for her part, said the UK's tabloid coverage of her was not "fair" and that she is not doing well under such harsh scrutiny.
The couple are currently in a legal battle with the conservative daily The Mail on Sunday over a claim that the British newspaper illegally published one of Meghan's private letters to her father.
After many discussions in interviews and the legal battle, the couple announced on January 8 that they will stop fulfilling their royal duties.
"After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to transition this year to begin forging a new progressive role within this institution," the couple's statement said.
"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 added.
Following the surprise announcement, Queen Elizabeth II met with Prince Charles, Prince William and Prince Harry in Sandringham, England, on January 13 for a face-to-face talk.
At the end of the meeting, Queen Elizabeth II said she "fully" supports Harry and Meghan in their decision to create a new life as a young family.
"Although we would have preferred to remain full-time working members of the royal family, we respect and understand your desire to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valuable part of my family," said the queen.
The 93-year-old monarch also said the final decision would be made in weeks.
"After many conversations and discussions, I am pleased that together we have found a constructive and supportive path for my grandson and her family," explained the queen.
"Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be very dear members of my family," she said, adding that she is proud of Meghan for having "quickly" become a member of the family.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will no longer participate in official military appointments and will not receive public funding for their royal duties, according to the statement.
"The Dukes of Sussex will not use their royal titles as they are no longer active members of the Royal Family," the queen also said.
