While Prince Harry and Meghan Markle cut ties with their royal life on Friday, February 19, they seem to still be entangled in royal drama. After Buckingham Palace shared that the couple decided to not return to their royal duties after their 12-month “Megxit” review period, Harry and Meghan shared their own statement — which many felt was a dig at Queen Elizabeth II herself.
Buckingham Palace confirmed that Harry, 36, and Meghan, 39, will “not be returning as working members of the royal family,” almost one year after they announced that they would be stepping away from their royal duties last January. “In stepping away from the work of The Royal Family it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service,” the statement on behalf of the Queen read.
In a retaliatory statement to Her Majesty, Harry and Meghan acknowledged that they are still “committed to their duty and service to the U.K. and around the world,” while noting: “We can all live a life of service. Service is universal.”
In light of their recent statement, royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams shared that she was “blindsided” by the “language used,” as it appeared to “lecture the queen.”
He added: “That sort of statement is very unhelpful, but what it showed is how angry they are.”
“We know they’re unhappy, I totally accept that,” the commentator said, before sharing that he’d like to see “a more balanced approach” when it comes to how Harry and Meghan handle situations with the Crown.
OK! recently reported that “the situation with Harry and Meghan has been challenging” for the Queen — who is also dealing with Prince Philip’s hospitalization — as she is reportedly still holding onto the hope that her grandson will return home.
“The queen has made it absolutely clear that they would always be welcome back if they had a change of heart. I don’t think anybody sees any chance of it [happening],” Fitzwilliams admitted to Us Weekly. “If it happened, I think the royal family would be delighted.”
“Harry and Meghan finally feel free,” a source explained to the outlet. “They have so much to look forward to.”