Prince Harry and Meghan Markle shocked the world when they announced, via Instagram and
press release, their plans to step back from their roles as senior royals in order to pursue
a more independent life with their young son, Archie.
While the tone of their statement was positive, numerous reports suggest that the Duke and
Duchess of Sussex may have defied the Queen of England's instructions and could be punished
for it.
According to the Evening Standard, Prince Harry had been transparent about his desires
to possibly leave the royal life behind.
He reportedly attempted to discuss the matter with both his father, Prince Charles, and
his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth.
However, their "planned meeting" reportedly didn't take place because it was, quote, "blocked
by courtiers."
"Oh I hate when that happens."
The Standard reports that, quote, "The Queen made it clear to her grandson that he should
not proceed with any announcement this week about his future."
Harry directly defied that order when he and Meghan went public with their plans on January
8th, 2020 - plans that include splitting time between the UK and North America.
On top of that, the Standard reports, quote, "Prince Charles and Prince William, the next
two in the line of succession, were only sent a copy of Harry and Meghan's statement '10
minutes' before it was released and without any further consultation."
Not exactly enough time to properly react to such a monumental decision, right?
Senior courtiers apparently believe that Harry and Meghan will, quote, "be punished for this"
- though it's unclear what that would entail, exactly.
Why all the fuss?
Well, when a member of the British royal family decides to do anything pertaining to their
official duties, they usually have to go through a long and detailed process that takes into
account the intricacies of their individual roles and positions.
That was supposed to happen when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle privately expressed their
desire to shake things up.
The Duke of Sussex contacted Prince Charles about spending more time in Canada and America
before Christmas, but, according to the Standard, he was told he, quote, "needed to come up
with a thought-out plan."
In order to fulfill that formal requirement, Harry sent a proposal to his father early
in the New Year but was told that, quote, "more time was needed to think through the
complex implications, particularly over funding."
It appears that Prince Harry wasn't willing to wait.
After he, Meghan, and their son, Archie, returned to England after spending the holidays in
Canada, the duke reportedly asked to meet with the queen.
While it's well known that the monarch has a particular fondness for her grandson, she
reportedly denied Harry's request.
Sources claim that she told him she was happy to meet him: but, quote, "would not discuss
his wishlist before he had discussed it in detail with his father."
Does an Instagram post qualify as a discussion?
"This never happened.
Back to your hockey matches and raging rivers!"
Markle and Harry had a sterling reputation for getting along with Queen Elizabeth.
Many have even suggested they were favorites of her royal highness, but their shocking
play for independence has supposedly changed all that.
An insider told The Sun,
"This is a declaration of war on the family.
There is fury over how they've done this without any thought for the implications for the institution.
The Queen is deeply upset.
The Prince of Wales [Harry's brother, Prince William] and Duke of Cambridge [Harry's dad,
Prince Charles] are incandescent with rage.
[...] Harry and Meghan wanted it their way or the highway.
So they've gone and exiled themselves from the Royal Family.
It's extraordinary."
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may have attempted to side-step the official process when they
decided to leave behind their senior duties and embark on a new kind of life together
with their son, Archie, but this certainly isn't the first time the couple has broken
royal protocol.
In fact, their seemingly rebellious ways are one of the reasons they're so adored by the
public.
Of course, so-called "Megxit" supporters had a lot to say online.
One fan tweeted:
"Seriously.
Good luck to them.
I completely understand why they chose this route and admire the hell out of them for
it."
Another tweeted:
"Love Meghan even more.
She's the epitome of a modern woman, and that's the reason she gets all the hate."
Markle, in particular, has fueled others to rewrite their stories.
One follower tweeted,
"[M]y 2020 mood is 'stop doing stuff that's not working,' and Meghan Markle is its patron
saint."
"Slow and steady wins the race.
That's actually something that I truly live by."
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