MOVING ON
Why have Meghan and Harry quit and will they still be the Duke and Duchess of Sussex?
PRINCE Harry and Meghan Markle dropped a bombshell by announcing their plans to step back from royal duties and move to Canada.
The Palace has confirmed the couple's plans, but why have they decided to leave the country?
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Why have Meghan Markle and Prince Harry stood down as senior royals?
In a statement made on the Sussexes' account, the pair wrote: "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."
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Are Meghan Markle and Prince Harry moving to Canada?
Prince Harry and Meghan are moving away from Britain as they want to create new roles for themselves within the Royal Family.
Following the move, the pair will quit their positions as senior royals and instead split their time between Britain and North America - with Canada expected to be their second home.
The decision comes after the couple reportedly spent a successful six-week trial period in Canada over the Christmas holidays.
Friends of the couple in both the Canada and the US are supportive of their decision to spend more time across the pond.
At this point in time it is unclear which Canadian city The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be moving to.
However, the royal couple spent their six-week trial holiday on the west coast on Vancouver Island, along with Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland - so this could be a possible destination.
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Will Harry and Meghan keep their royal titles?
It is likely they will still be called the Duke and Duchess of Sussex while they live abroad.
As they said in their statement, they will still "honour their duty to the Queen, the Commonwealth and patronages", so it's assumed at the moment that they will be keeping their titles.
Meghan and Harry plan to be "financially independent" and move away from their current senior roles in the Royal Family - but will still support the Queen.
What has the Palace said about their decision to stand down?
With rumours currently flying around that the family had no idea that the couple were planning on making this decision, the statement from the Palace was short.
The statement read: "'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 though."
It has been reported that a royal aide said: "People had bent over backwards for them.
"They were given the wedding they wanted, the house they wanted, the office they wanted, the money they wanted, the staff they wanted, the tours they wanted and had the backing of their family. What more did they want?"
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What has the Palace said about their decision to stand down?
The Palace released a statement shortly after the announcement was made.
It read: "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."
Friends of the couple believe that it has become clear to the couple that the monarchy is moving towards a future focused on Prince Charles and Prince William.
One told The Sun: “They are back to work. They have nothing to hide and have got so much good work to do.
"But it has been made very clear by the institution that the Sussexes are not central to the future plan.
“Just look at the picture released last week of the Queen with the Prince of Wales, Duke of Cambridge and George.”
MORE ON MEGHAN AND HARRY
Good Morning Britain co-presenter Piers Morgan slammed former Suits actress Meghan on for the move and even blamed her for splitting up the Royal Family.
"People say I'm too critical of Meghan Markle - but she ditched her family, ditched her dad, ditched most of her old friends, split Harry from William and has now split him from the Royal Family. I rest my case," he said.
He also went one step further and commented: "What Meghan wants, Meghan gets."
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