Prince Harry and Princess Meghan announced Tuesday that they intend to step back as "senior" members of England's Royal Family and added that they plan to split time between Europe and North America in 2020.
In an Instagram post, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said they hope to carve out a more "progressive" role in the Royal Family and strive will to become "financially independent."
The couple added that they will continue to "fully support Her Majesty The Queen."
People reports that Harry and Meghan recently returned from an extended holiday in Canada, where they spent time with Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland. Before marrying Harry, Meghan lived in Toronto for a number of years while working as an actress on the television show Suits.
Read the couple's statement in fuil below.
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.
We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages. This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son 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, including the launch of our new charitable entity.
We look forward to sharing the full details of this exciting next step in due course, as we continue to collaborate with Her Majesty The Queen, The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge and all relevant parties. Until then, please accept our deepest thanks for your continued support.” - The Duke and Duchess of Sussex
