'Queen doesn't deserve this': Palace reaction to Prince Harry and Meghan stepping back

Thursday, 9 January 2020

Palace insiders are defending a 'deeply upset' Queen following Prince Harry and Meghan's announcement they're stepping down as senior members of the royal family.

'The Queen doesn't deserve this,' a source told royal correspondent Rebecca English, who works for the Daily Mail.

According to English, Prince Charles and Prince William were 'equally stunned' by the couple's decision to announce they were breaking away.

A source told The Sun the couple's statement had not been cleared by anyone, and was considered a 'declaration of war on the family'.

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'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 and Duke of Cambridge are incandescent with rage,' they said.

An official statement from Buckingham Palace said: 'Discussions with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are at an early stage. We understand their desire to take a different approach, but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through.'

English said on Twitter the terse statement was an 'unprecedented rap on the knuckles'.

'Make no mistake, Buckingham Palace are furious about the way Harry and Meghan have handled this.'

The couple had raised the issue a week ago and the royal family had said they would work to find a way to help them facilitate what they wanted, she said.

'Yet the Queen - a 93y/o woman who has served her country with honour and dignity - had to find out second-hand that her grandson had released a statement announcing his decision to 'go solo'.'

BBC royal correspondent Jonny Dymond earlier reported that 'no other member of the royal family was consulted before Harry and Meghan issued their personal statement, and the Palace was understood to be 'disappointed'.

Dymond added that a source told him senior members of the royal family feel 'hurt' by the announcement.

The couple plan to divide their time between the UK and North America, with Canada expected to be their base there.

They will still use Frogmore Cottage as their official UK residence.

In an updated Q&A on their website, the couple said Frogmore Cottage would continue to be the property of the Queen, but they had her permission to reside there 'so that their family will always have a place to call home in the United Kingdom'.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex shared news of their decision to step back via their official Instagram account on Thursday morning (NZ time).

The young royal couple will take more time to raise their son.

'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,' the post began.

'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.'

The couple said they planned to balance their 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.'

CANADA THEIR SECOND HOME?

UK tabloids have been speculating on a potential overseas move for the couple and their eight-month-old son, Archie, who spent the Christmas holidays in Canada instead of at Sandringham for the traditional royal family gathering.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex pictured with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in July 2018.

Meghan lived in Canada for many years before she married Harry while she was filming the TV series Suits.

On Wednesday (NZ time), the couple posted a video to Instagram of their visit to Canada House in London to thank the High Commissioner Janice Charette for the 'warm hospitality' during their recent stay.

'The Duke and Duchess have a strong connection to Canada. It's a country The Duke of Sussex has visited many times over the years and it was also home to The Duchess for seven years before she became a member of The Royal Family,' the post read.

'SIDELINED'

The couple had recently returned to England after taking a six-week break from royal duties.

The break followed the release of a controversial ITV documentary in which the couple lamented their 'struggle' living with 'relentless' and 'malicious' media scrutiny.

According to The Sun, friends of Prince Harry and Meghan say the couple have been 'sidelined' by the monarchy, with all attention focused on Prince Charles and Prince William.

'It has been made very clear by the institution that the Sussexes are not central to the future plan,' an anonymous source told the tabloid.

Prince Harry is sixth in line to the throne.