Prince Harry and Meghan Officially Withdraw from the British Empire
Tuesday (31/3/2020) Prince Harry and his wife Meghan officially stepped down as senior members of the British Royal family. The couple has moved to California, United States (US), to lead an independent life there. Earlier in January they had expressed their intention to leave royal life and work on their own to become financially independent.
This decision to step down means that the two will no longer carry out duties on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II, and will give up their posts in the British Empire. The resignation follows reports that Meghan is unhappy with centuries of royal life, and the pair have increasingly complained about the media spotlight. Inevitably, the news rocked the royal family including Queen Elizabeth II and other senior members.
The 93-year-old queen then held an emergency meeting with Prince Charles and Charles's two children, Prince William and Harry, to discuss Harry's resignation. The family finally agrees to Harry and Meghan's decision. Archie's 11-month-old parents will relinquish the title His Excellency, and will no longer wear the "Sussex Royal" label. However, they will continue to be known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, their official title. Harry also remains sixth on the throne, without changing the line of succession.
Change the story line
The resignation of Harry and Meghan, nicknamed "Megxit" by the British media, altered the storyline from 2018 when their grand wedding at Windsor Castle was broadcast around the world. Meghan, 38, a former mixed-race TV actress, was initially seen as a breath of fresh air for the royal family, which was often seen as too rigid. However, Harry and Meghan's relationship with the media deteriorates. Several newspapers were accused of being racist and criticizing them unfairly.
There are also rumors of a split in the family, as well as a rift between Harry and William. Since announcing their plans, the couple has lived in a mansion on Canada's Pacific west coast. They briefly went to England in March. The two are thought to have continued living in Canada, but then moved to California by private jet in early March, before the US closed the border due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Meghan grew up in Los Angeles and her mother, Doria Ragland, still lives there. Meghan also has a network of friends and work contacts in LA.
The US is reluctant to pay security fees
Harry and Meghan's decision to move to California came before Prince Charles tested positive for the coronavirus earlier last week. Prince Charles himself has now left quarantine, according to a statement from Clarence Palace on Monday (30/3/2020). During the coronavirus outbreak, members of the United Kingdom showed solidarity with health workers to deal with it.
The Queen also advised that her family was ready to play their part in the national effort. Harsh criticism then came from the British media, regarding Harry and Meghan's decision to move to the "Uncle Sam" country. "Harry and Meghan chose celebrities over duties," The Times said in an opinion piece on Monday (30/3/2020). "Moving to California has fueled the irritation many people have felt over the couple's decision in recent days," he added.
Meanwhile Harry and Meghan themselves did not receive a warm welcome from US President Donald Trump. Trump said he was a good friend and admirer of the Queen of England, but stressed the US would not pay for Harry and Meghan's security costs. "They have to pay!" Trump wrote on Twitter on Sunday (29/3/2020). Spokesmen for Harry and Meghan later replied with the statement, "Have set personal budgets for security costs."
