Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, shocked the world when they announced earlier this month that they would be stepping back from the royal family, giving up their royal titles as well as state funding. While the couple is continuing to support their family, including the Queen, their goal in taking this step is to become financially independent. 

The result was not originally what Harry and Meghan hoped for, as they had a different exit in mind when thinking through this decision. Originally, the couple wanted to have what was described as a “hybrid role.” In a speech he made at a charity dinner, Harry stated, “Our hope was to continue serving the Queen, the commonwealth, and my military associations, but without public funding. Unfortunately, that wasn’t possible.” 

Stepping back from the royal family means that the couple will no longer be referred to by their royal titles. Meghan will no longer have the titles “Her Royal Highness” or “The Duchess of Sussex,” and Harry will no longer have the title, “His Royal Highness,” “The Duke of Sussex” or “Earl of Dumbarton and Baron Kilkeel.”

Many have speculated that the main reason for this announcement is the heaving media scrutiny the couple has faced since their relationship went public. The British press and  general public have been very critical of Harry’s relationship with Meghan. One Twitter user mentions BBC’s frequent use of the terms “modern” and “progressive” when referring to the couple’s relationship, implying that the reason for using these terms is due to Markle’s race. The user stated, “the BBC keeps repeating the phrase ‘modern couple’ in reference to Harry and Meghan. Which has got to be code for the fact that Ms [sic] Markle is mixed race.” This is a very real issue that the couple has experienced, making it understandable why they would want to separate themselves. 

Although this could be part of the reasoning behind the couple’s announcement, it has appeared to be unrealistic to many, as Harry and Meghan will still be subject to a large amount of media attention. The couple launched their website, “Sussex Royal,” shortly after the announcement. The website details what the couple’s future involvement with the royal family will look like. Although British taxpayers will still be paying for the security of Harry and Meghan, their new business endeavors will not capitalize on their royal connections, moving them closer towards being financially independent. 

Whether or not this will be a beneficial course of action for the couple has definitely been discussed and speculated. The decision was a surprising one, but it has come with a lot of thought and intelligent reasoning behind it. While the couple’s reasoning behind the decision is understandable, we will have to wait and see how it affects them in both their life and business endeavors in the future.