CELEBRITY NEWS:Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are stepping down from royal family roles — and many are cheering them on

It’s a royal shake-up for the Sussexes.
Months after speaking out on the intense media scrutiny they’ve faced, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have announced plans to “step back” from their high-profile royal duties in favor of a “progressive new role within this institution.” A statement released by the couple — who spent the holidays in Canada with son Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor — on Wednesday confirms that they will divide their family’s time between the U.K. and North America, and “work to become financially independent.”
The announcement— which comes just one day after the duke and duchess paid a visit to Canada House in London to give thanks for the hospitality they received over the holidays — spoke of a “new charitable entity” while stating that they would continue to support Queen Elizabeth II and raise 8-month-old son Archie “with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born.”
“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.”