The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced they will be “stepping back” as senior members of the Royal Family – but what does that mean for Meghan and Harry? Find out on The Socialite next…

In a recent statement on social media, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry have announced their resignation from the Royal Family as senior members. This comes following a break over the Christmas period, which saw the couple spend their festive season in Canada with their 8-month-old son Archie.

“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,” Meghan and Harry’s statement reads. “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 honor 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 couple accompanied the statement with a picture of them holding hands and smiling.

Canada is a special place for 38-year-old Meghan, who was living in Toronto while filming Suits before moving to England to be with 35-year-old Harry. She has often referred to the city as her “second home.”

Meghan and Harry added: ”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.”

The couple’s aim to be “financially independent” may point towards them seeking a job, or a paid role with an organisation whose aims complement their own beliefs.