‘Stepping back’: Harry and Meghan’s bombshell announcement

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have released an extraordinary statement, effectively quitting as senior members of the Royal Family.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have announced they are effectively resigning as “senior members of the Royal Family” and working to become “financially independent” in a ”progressive new role within this institution”.

The decision – announced on Wednesday night – comes as no big surprise, with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex making it clear they’ve been struggling under the intense public scrutiny over the past year.

This week, they returned to royal duties after a successful secret six-week break to Canada over Christmas - and it’s understood arrangements are now being made to allow them to live there for a significant portion of the year.

In the statement, the royal couple explained that it comes after “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,” it read.

“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.”

Britain's Prince Harry, Meghan are to step back as 'senior' royals. Picture: Adrian Dennis /AFP

Harry and Meghan also confirmed recent speculation that they were intending on becoming only part-time residents of Britain.

“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,” the couple explained.

“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.”

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex recently returned from a six-week break from royal duties in Canada with their eight-month-old son, Archie.

The couple was reportedly extremely burnt out at the end of 2019 after a year of negative press, which culminated in an extraordinarily candid documentary while on their African tour in October.

During an interview with ITV reporter and royal confidante Tom Bradby, Meghan spoke of her difficulty in adjusting to her new role in the British monarchy, admitting while she never thought it would be easy, she “thought it would be fair.”

“It’s not enough to just survive something, that’s not the point of life, you’ve got to thrive and feel happy.”

“I’ve really tried to adopt this British sensibility of a stiff upper lip … I’ve tried, I’ve really tried.”

Harry also spoke about the intense media scrutiny he and Meghan have been under, declaring: “I won’t play the game that killed my mother.”

The move to Canada would also serve to provide some separation with the British press, following the couple’s decision last year to launch lawsuits against two outlets - The Mail on Sunday and The Sun.

More details of the move will be released in “due course”, but it’s understood Harry and Meghan’s official staff will remain at Buckingham Palace.

In the meantime, they will work closely with US PR company Sunshine Sachs to launch the Sussex Royal Foundation in the coming months.