Queen Elizabeth reportedly supported Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision to step back from royal duties. But she wanted them to fully understand what leaving royal life would mean.
Years after the Sussexes made their dramatic exit, commentators are revisiting the late monarch’s concerns, especially as Harry and Meghan continue to attract global attention. Dive in for more information.
Queen Elizabeth Backed Harry And Meghan’s Decision
When Prince Harry and Meghan announced in 2020 that they would step back as senior working royals, the news sent shockwaves around the world. Many people wondered how the family would react to such a major decision. Shortly afterward, Queen Elizabeth released a personal statement expressing her love and support for the couple and their son, Archie.
In her message, the late monarch emphasized that Harry, Meghan, and Archie “will always be much loved members of [her] family”. Although she publicly supported them, royal correspondent Duncan Larcombe has now claimed that the Queen also had concerns about what life after their royal exit would look like.
Writing in the latest issue of Woman, Larcombe alleged that the Queen gave her blessing to the Sussexes on one important condition.
According to him, “Her Majesty made it clear to Harry that he and Meghan would leave with her blessing as long as they understood leaving royal life meant exactly that.”
The Queen Rejected A Half-In, Half-Out Royal Role
According to Larcombe, Queen Elizabeth worried that Harry and Meghan might continue carrying out public engagements after leaving royal duties without coordinating their activities with the Royal Family. She reportedly feared this could draw attention away from the work of the monarchy.
At the time, reports suggested that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex hoped to maintain a “half-in, half-out” arrangement that would allow them to keep some royal responsibilities while also pursuing independent projects. However, the Queen reportedly rejected that idea.
Royal author Robert Jobson discussed the issue in The Windsor Legacy, where he described the January 2020 Sandringham summit that addressed the Sussexes’ future. He wrote, “The answer from the top was clear: no halfway role was possible. They were either in or out,” and added, “Her Majesty’s ruling deepened the existing tensions in the family, particularly between Harry and William.”
Although Harry and Meghan initially followed the arrangements agreed upon after their departure, some royal observers believe the Queen’s concerns have become more relevant in recent years. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for more Royal news and updates.