Meghan and Harry

January, 2020

“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.”

Their Royal Highnesses, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex

Just a quick note while Meghan and Prince Harry are in the news….

I’m not a Royal watcher but, as I noted when Meghan and Harry found out they were pregnant, I have a soft spot in my heart for Harry. Only 13 when his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, was killed in an automobile accident caused by paparazzi chasing them through the streets in 1997, I’ve watched from afar.

Don’t get me wrong. I joined millions in following Diana’s romance with Prince Charles and, like so many other Americans, watched their wedding as it unfolded on TV. When she died, I watched the funeral and as Harry walked with his brother, father, and grandfather behind his mother’s casket. Perched on top was the bouquet of flowers with the envelope addressed to “Mummy,” from Harry.

I was a mother whose own son was the same age as Harry and 10-year-old daughter so my heart hurt for the young prince and his brother who had just lost their mother. Ever since that time I’ve followed the news as they’ve grown up, married, and begun families of their own.

This week when Meghan and Harry announced they were stepping back from the limelight and announced a new website, people went berserk — speaking out on Facebook and elsewhere with derogatory comments about the decision.

And, just as they did when Diana was alive, British tabloids are having a hay-day speculating about and bashing the young Royals. What is it with them? Why do their wield so much power in England? They are the same as reality “Honey Boo-Boo” shows in the U.S. — mindless gossip rags.

It sounds as if Meghan and Harry may be on their way to settling for at least part of the year in Canada. Here’s wishing them the best with whatever they want to do with their lives.