Let me tell you something—just hours after Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan (née Markle) dropped their bombshell announcement about stepping back from their royal duties, Queen Elizabeth had to weigh in. The royal family’s leading lady didn’t just issue a Buckingham Palace statement; there’s more to what Her Majesty truly feels, according to a source who spoke exclusively with Closer Weekly.
What Really Happened Before the Announcement?
According to an insider, Queen Elizabeth, at 93 years old, may have had some inkling that Harry and Meghan were thinking about moving to Canada. “Harry did mention it to her,” the insider revealed to Closer shortly after the announcement on January 8, 2020. But here’s the kicker: “Nothing was confirmed. The couple released the statement before they even sat down with the queen to have a real, in-depth conversation about their future,” the source explained. Imagine being the queen and finding out such a major decision this way!
Queen Elizabeth's Official Response
Fans were left wondering if the queen was fully briefed before making her short but meaningful statement. In her official response, she said, “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 complex issues that will take time to resolve.” That’s diplomatic language for “this is a big deal, and we’ve got a lot to figure out.”
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The Couple's Bold Move
Harry, 35, and Meghan, 38, announced their intention to step back as senior members of the royal family while still supporting Her Majesty. “After months of reflection and internal discussions, we’ve decided to make a transition this year to carve out a new role within this institution,” they shared in their statement. They emphasized that it was the encouragement of their fans that gave them the confidence to make this bold decision.
Harry and Meghan's Future Plans
The couple plans to split their time between the U.K. and North America, allowing them to give Archie, their adorable 8-month-old son, a balanced upbringing. They’ll continue to honor their duties to the queen, the Commonwealth, and their patronages. They emphasized that this geographic split will help them raise Archie with an appreciation for the royal tradition he was born into, while also giving their family the space they need to focus on the next chapter, which includes launching a new charitable entity.
Why the Move?
Many speculated that the decision was driven by the intense public scrutiny the couple faced over the past year. However, a second source told Closer Weekly that Meghan and Harry, who tied the knot in May 2018, are stepping back primarily to focus on their little one. “Moving to Canada is definitely an option for Harry and Meghan,” another royal insider revealed. “They want to give Archie a more normal upbringing, away from the media circus in London. Archie is their No. 1 priority.”
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