Prince Harry and Meghan Markle transition from senior royals
FILE - In this Saturday March 7, 2020 file photo, Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex arrive at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex has her first post-royal job: narrating a Disney documentary about elephants. Disney announced Thursday, March 26 that the duchess is lending her voice to “Elephant,” released April 3 on the Disney+ streaming service. (Simon Dawson/Pool via AP, file)
On Jan. 8, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle shocked the world when they announced they would step down from their senior royal duties on March 31.
The announcement came through the couple’s Instagram, stating, “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.”
The decision came after a long road of backlash the Duchess of Sussex faced following her engagement to Prince Harry. Since the couple’s wedding in 2018, critics of Markle have attached the term “Megxit” to posts that portray her in a negative light.
Now, the term “Megxit” has been given a mainstream spotlight to describe the couple’s decision to step down.
Harry addressed the intense backlash against his wife in a statement, saying, “Though this action may not be the safe one, it is the right one. Because my deepest fear is history repeating itself. I’ve seen what happens when someone I love is commoditized to the point that they are no longer treated or seen as a real person. I lost my mother, and now I watch my wife falling victim to the same powerful forces.”
Senior health science major Maggie Strickert said she understands the royals couple’s decision to transition out of their roles to protect the Duchess’s privacy.
“I don’t think he wants his kid to be without a mom because of the same reason he was without a mom,” Strickert said.
Dr. Robert Barnett, a distinguished history professor, said important work to repair families can be done when removed from the public eye.
“I am a firm believer in that when doors close, things happen in families,” Barnett said.
In a statement on Instagram, The Queen said, “Following many months of conversations and more recent discussions, I am pleased that together we have found a constructive and supportive way forward for my grandson and his family. Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be beloved members of my family. I recognize the challenges that they have experienced as a result of intense scrutiny over the last two years and support their wish for a more independent life.”
To follow the Duke and Duchess’ transition, click here.
