Prince Harry and Meghan Markle this week announced their decision to quit as senior Royals and become 'financially independent'. While many praised the couple's decision, it has reportedly sent shockwaves through the Royal family, leading to the Queen holding a crisis summit at Sandringham with the family tomorrow to discuss the situation.
Now Prince William has broken his silence about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's decision to 'take a step back' from their roles, admitting his sadness at the distance that now stands between them.
A friend of the Duke of Cambridge told The Sunday Times that the Duke of Cambridge said, 'I’ve put my arm around my brother all our lives and I can’t do that anymore; we’re separate entities. I’m sad about that. All we can do, and all I can do is try and support them and hope that the time comes when we’re all singing from the same page. I want everyone to play on the team.'
Harry and Meghan made the announcement on their website with a statement that read: '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.'
Since the announcement, it has also been reported that Prince Harry was concerned for Meghan's welfare as she had struggled to settle in the UK and believed she could suffer a 'meltdown' if the couple continued as they were.
Despite the couple's shock decision, a source has since claimed the family want to sort it out as soon as possible.
'There is no suggestion that they will be punished or stripped of their Royal titles or HRH status,' they said. 'Everyone wants to find a solution to this as quickly as possible.'
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