Meghan Markle has flown back to Canada days after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced that they plan to 'step back' as senior royals, seeking also to become financially independent.
According to multiple reports, the Duchess boarded a plane back to North America on Thursday. The couple's son, Archie, has reportedly stayed in Canada with friends of the couple and his Nanny after the family spent Christmas there, with the Mail claiming he is staying with Meghan's best friend Jessica Mulroney.
There are conflicting reports about whether Prince Harry has or has not accompanied his wife on her return to Canada, or whether he has remained in the UK. Currently, he is scheduled to have a royal engagement at Buckingham Palace, hosting the Rugby League World Cup draw, on Thursday 16th January.
It is understood that the Queen has instructed staff of the Sussexes, Prince Charles and Prince William to work together to reach a logistical solution about how Harry and Meghan's royal roles, duties and funding could work going forward.
In their statement, shared unexpectedly via Instagram on Wednesday, the married couple of 18 months explained how following 'many months of reflection and internal discussions' they have made their decision to recede from the forefront of public duty.
They added that they would still fully support the Queen by carrying out royal duties but would now 'balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America' so their seven month old son Archie will grow up with 'an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter.'
Buckingham Palace released an official statement in response, stating that they 'understand their desire to take a different approach' but discussions continue to be at an early stage as these are 'complicated issues that will take time to work through'.
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Olivia Blair is Entertainment Editor (Luxury) at Hearst UK, working across ELLE, Esquire and Harper's Bazaar. Olivia covers all things entertainment and has interviewed the likes of Margot Robbie, Emma Stone, Michaela Coel and Ryan Gosling over the years.
