The question of whether the Queen agreed to Harry and Meghan's plan has been the subject of much speculation and debate. The couple's decision to step back as senior members of the royal family and pursue a more independent life sent shockwaves throughout the world, and many were eager to know how the Queen, as the head of the family and the monarchy, responded to their request.
To fully understand the situation, it is important to provide some context. Harry and Meghan's plan, often referred to as "Megxit," was announced in January 2020. The couple expressed their desire to become financially independent and split their time between the United Kingdom and North America. They also revealed their intention to step back from their official royal duties, including their roles as working members of the royal family. This announcement came as a surprise to many, including the Queen.
Following their announcement, a series of discussions and negotiations took place within the royal family to determine the terms of Harry and Meghan's new arrangement. It is widely believed that the Queen was initially taken aback by their decision, as it went against the traditional expectations and roles within the monarchy. However, the Queen is known for her ability to adapt and embrace change when necessary, and she ultimately supported a path that would allow Harry and Meghan to pursue their goals while remaining part of the family.
In the weeks that followed, the Queen convened a summit at Sandringham, her country estate, to discuss the future roles and responsibilities of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. This meeting, attended by senior members of the royal family, including Prince Charles and Prince William, aimed to find a resolution that would satisfy all parties involved.
Reports from the time suggest that the Queen had mixed feelings about Harry and Meghan's plan. On the one hand, she was said to be sympathetic towards the challenges they faced as public figures and the intense media scrutiny they endured. On the other hand, there were concerns within the royal family about the potential precedent that could be set by allowing members to step back from their official duties.
A compromise was reached. In a statement released by Buckingham Palace, it was announced that Harry and Meghan would no longer use their royal titles, would no longer receive public funds, and would repay the money spent on refurbishing their residence, Frogmore Cottage. The Queen emphasized that while they would no longer undertake official duties on behalf of the monarchy, they would always remain beloved members of her family.
While the details of the agreement were outlined in the official statement, it is worth noting that the Queen's support for Harry and Meghan's plan was evident in her public statements as well. In a personal statement released shortly after the summit, she referred to them as "much-loved members of my family" and expressed her understanding and support for their desire to live a more independent life. This was seen by many as a clear indication that the Queen had given her consent to their plan.
Since then, Harry and Meghan have embarked on their new path, establishing themselves in California and launching various ventures, including the Archewell Foundation and production deals with streaming platforms. While their relationship with the royal family has undoubtedly evolved, both Harry and Meghan have maintained that they hold a deep respect and love for the Queen.
While the Queen may have initially been surprised and concerned by Harry and Meghan's plan to step back as senior members of the royal family, she ultimately agreed to their decision and supported a compromise that would allow them to pursue their goals while remaining part of the family. Her statements and actions have demonstrated her ongoing support and affection for them, even as they pursue a more independent life outside the royal spotlight.
