London | The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, better known as Prince Harry and Meghan, have announced they will "step back" as senior members of the royal family and seek to become financially independent, in an unprecedented move that caps off an extraordinary 12 months for the monarchy.

In a statement on Instagram that has driven a wedge into the heart of the royal family, the couple said they planned to "carve out a progressive new role within this institution" and would divide their time between Britain and North America.