
Judging by this week’s royal news, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s New Year’s resolution was: “Quit your family; move to Canada.”
In an Instagram post (how millennial!), the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced they are stepping back as senior members of the UK royal family, working to become “financially independent” and splitting their time between Britain and North America. In other words: They’re done with royal life. They’re going in a different direction. It just wasn’t for them, thanks.
Despite the pearl-clutching from horrified scolds lamenting the disregard for tradition — yawn — this isn’t unprecedented: In 1936, King Edward VIII abdicated the throne to marry Wallis Simpson, an American socialite who had two ex-husbands by the time they tied the knot. British royal drama is nothing new; just ask Henry VIII.
To add to the intrigue: Harry and Meghan seemingly did everything exactly on their terms. They announced the move when they wanted and against Queen Elizabeth’s express wishes. Buckingham Palace released a terse statement: “Discussions with the duke and duchess of Sussex are at an early stage.” The queen is reportedly deeply disappointed and Princes Charles and William are “incandescent with rage.”
[…]
See Also:
(1) Queen’s deal for Meghan and Harry: Monarch won’t punish couple for going it alone
(2) Royal split: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle feel the royals have ‘driven them out’