Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex have launched a new website after announcing their intention to “step back” from the monarchy and denounce their status as “senior royals”.
The couple, who married in 2018, announced the shocking news on their Instagram page on Wednesday, Jan 8. In a lengthy statement, they 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.”
On their new sussexroyal.com website, designed by a digital agency based in Toronto – the same firm behind Markle’s now closed lifestyle blog, The Tig, the couple detailed their “new working model”, including a new media relations policy, the future of their charitable work and how they will fund their lifestyles.
According to WENN.com, the couple explained they are banned from earning their own income as royals since they still receive money from the Sovereign Grant – British taxpayers – who pay their six-member security team.
The website explains: “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are classified as internationally protected people which mandates this level of security.”
The website also reiterated that they aim to become financially independent of British taxpayers so they can work “externally” and pay for their own security.
The couple, along with eight-month-old son Archie, will split their time between the U.K. and North America, and will continue to reside in their $2 million Frogmore Cottage, which is owned by the Queen.
Meghan and Harry’s announcement that they were stepping back from their royal duties shocked Britain and resulted in a fierce backlash against Meghan, a 38-year-old American actress who married into the royal family against the wishes of British citizens.
Many accuse Meghan of being a narcissist who corrupted Prince Harry so she can return to Toronto to live a lavish celebrity lifestyle.
While Britain’s Daily Mail newspaper reported Harry’s grandmother Queen Elizabeth II was “furious” upon hearing the “bombshell” news, stars worldwide reacted to the announcement, taking to social media to share their views.
Now that they are free of the monarchy, the couple is expected to be regulars at Hollywood parties hobnobbing with celebrity friends such as Beyonce and Jay-Z.
Sources say Meghan is desperate to capitalize on her celebrity status. She is expected to appear on American talk shows, grace the covers of magazines and even a reality TV show — all celebrity perks she was deprived of as a “senior member” of the Royal Family.
“We’re hiring,” wrote The Daily Show‘s official Twitter page after the news broke on Wednesday.
Andy Cohen, who is an executive producer of the Real Housewives franchise, added: “Open invite for The Duchess to joining #RHOBH (Real Housewives of Beverly Hills).”
