2020 has already brought forth numerous shocking events, and notably the exit of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry from the United Kingdom’s royal family has been nothing short of a notable event. In the beginning of 2020, Prince Harry and wife Meghan Markle released a statement expressing their withdrawal from being senior members of the royal family; they have also pledged to become financially independent and split their time between the UK and Canada. 

In more recent press statements since the original announcement, Prince Harry implied that it was his decision to leave the royal family. Prior to this statement, many fans of Markle and the royal family suspected that Markle felt out of place within the family.

At a charity dinner, Prince Harry gave further insight into his reasoning behind the historical decision: “Our hope was to continue serving the Queen, the commonwealth, and my military associations, but without public funding. Unfortunately, that wasn’t possible.” In their attempt to be financially independent, the now un-royal couple plan on paying back a large majority of the taxpayer’s money they used as well.

The online world of social media has also taken a toll on the couple prior to their announcement. In an October 2019 interview with the couple, it was mentioned that there was “unfair” media spreading false information about them. 

A further shock to those following this story was the statement from Buckingham Palace, which showed how unprepared the Queen and and other British officials were for this news.

The British Broadcasting Company (BBC) reported that “no other royal – including the Queen or Prince William – was consulted,” meaning that the public learned of this news just prior to the Queen being informed. 

Many Canadians in the past few weeks have also expressed concerns with Meghan Markle and Harry splitting time between Canada and the UK. One of the largest Canadian newspapers, The Globe and Mail, wrote in an editorial, “Canada welcomes people of all faiths, nationalities and races, but if you’re a senior member of [the] Royal Family, this country cannot become your home.” And the majority of Canadians agree with 73% of Canadians not wanting any of their tax money going to fund any members of the royal family living in Canada, according to The Daily Mail, a London newspaper..

Their decision has also led to the couple giving up their royal titles His Royal Highness and Her Royal Highness; however, they can be regained any time in the future if they change their mind.

While the news was initially shocking, problematic, and confusing to the world, there are plenty who are wishing the un-royal couple their best wishes in their attempts to become financially independent and make a new name for themselves.