Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s decision to pull the plug on their roles as serior royals after a photo left them feeling ‘snubbed’.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were reportedly shocked when a photo of the late Queen Elizabeth II and her heirs – King Charles, Prince William and Prince George – was unveiled by Buckingham Palace.
Author Andrew Morton claims the couple felt “conspired against” following the release of the photograph in 2020.
In his unauthorised biography, Meghan: A Hollywood Princess, he claims: “The royal couple suspected that the entire institution was conspiring against them.
“As they saw it, the evidence was all around them. The unspoken code was straightforward: the future of the monarchy was assured, with or without Meghan and Harry.”
The photograph was taken in the Throne Room at the palace, and Harry and Meghan revealed that they would be officially leaving The Firm just two days after its release.
In an official statement on January 8, 2020, they said: “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.
“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. It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment.
“We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages.
“This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity,” they continued.
“We look forward to sharing the full details of this exciting next step in due course, as we continue to collaborate with Her Majesty The Queen, The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge and all relevant parties. Until then, please accept our deepest thanks for your continued support.”
The couple currently reside in Montecito, California, with son Archie, 4, and daughter Lilibet, 2.
