It's been confirmed by the couple in a statement this evening that they will embark on an independent life, with their time split between the UK and Canada.
The couple released the statement on their Instagram page, sussexroyal, which explained that Meghan and Harry are working towards becoming 'financially independent', while still 'continuing to honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages'.
The shocking news comes after the couple have just returned from a six-week sabbatical with their son, Archie, in Canada.
MORE:What will happen if Meghan and Harry leave theroyal family?
The statement read, '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.
'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.'
Where will Harry and Meghan live in Canada?
It would be no surprise if the couple move to Toronto, where they first enjoyed a secret courtship before their relationship was made official in October 2016. The pair are thought to have been set up by a mutural friend, who met on their first date in a bar in Toronto.
But perhaps Vancouver will be more the couple's speed, after they spent Christmas there as a family of three, at a £10.7million home in Vancouver Island, according to the Daily Mail. During this time they were spotted hiking with friends, enjoying the break with their two dogs by their side.
Lauren is deputy editor at woman&home.com in the UK and became a journalist mainly because she enjoys being nosy. With a background in features journalism, Lauren has worked on the woman&home brand for four years. Before woman&home Lauren worked across a variety of women's lifestyle titles, including GoodTo, Woman's Own, and Woman magazine. After starting out working for a local paper in Yorkshire, her journalism career took her to Bristol where she hunted out stories for national papers and magazines at Medavia news agency, before landing a job in London working as a lifestyle assistant.
Lauren loves helping people share their stories, bringing experiences to life online, honing her interview techniques with everyone from authors to celebrities, headteachers to local heroes. As well as having a good nose for a story, Lauren has a passion for the English language and years of experience optimizing digital content to reach the widest audience possible. During her time at w&h, Lauren has worked on big brand campaigns like the Amazing Women Awards and assisted in developing w&h expert-approved Buyer's Guides—the place to go if you're looking to splash out on an important purchase and want some trusted advice. In addition to her journalism career, Lauren also has a background in copywriting for prestigious brands such as Inhabit Hotel, eco-development K'in in Tulum, social enterprise The Goldfinger Factory and leading London architect Holland Harvey, using language in all its glorious forms, from detailed guidebooks to snappy social content.
A big fan of adventure, Lauren is also a keen travel writer and loves sharing tips on where to find the best places to eat, drink, and be merry off the beaten track. Lauren has written a series of travel guides for London hotels and loves sharing her insights into a destination's cultural and culinary offerings. If you need a recommendation on any UK destination, she's more than happy to help. At the weekend, you'll usually find her hanging out with her pet cat (or anyone else's pet she can get her hands on), escaping to the countryside, or devouring a good book.
Follow her adventures @laurenkatehughes
Twitter: @laurenkhughes
LinkedIn: Lauren Kate Hughes
Email: lauren.hughes@futurenet.com
-
-
Here are the skincare ingredients that you should never mix together
Follow these golden rules and you won't go wrong.
By Fiona McKim •
-
Is there a Christmas tree shortage? Experts reveal how to avoid missing out on a real tree this year
Experts have warned of a Christmas tree shortage—here's how to make sure you don't miss out
By Caitlin Elliott •
