The public and the royal family were left shocked when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex dropped the bombshell last week that they would be stepping back as senior members of the royal family. However, the couple may have hinted at their intention’s months ago.
WATCH: Footage emerges of ‘sexy’ Meghan Markle flipping burgers
And the clue lies with their son, Archie.
Ahead of the now eight-month-old’s birth, many speculated as to what title the royal baby would be given.
As per royal tradition, Archie could have assumed the title of Earl of Dumbarton, however it is understood that Harry and Meghan opted not to give their newborn the title, presumably so that he could grow up in a more private environment away from the scrutiny faced by other royal family members.
Meghan and Harry instead chose to name their son Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor.
Speaking to The Express, Majesty magazine managing editor Joe Little said that the pair’s choice in name could have signalled the first sign that Harry and Meghan planned to step away.
“The fact Archie isn’t Earl of Dumbarton or styled HRH makes me wonder whether this wasn’t already part of a wider masterplan,” he told the publication.
Following a rare Sandringham summit meeting on Monday, the Queen confirmed she and her family are “entirely supportive” of Harry and Meghan’s choice to effectively resign from the Royal Family, claiming they “respect and understand their wishes to live a more independent life” in Canada.
“Today my family had very constructive discussions on the future of my grandson and his family. My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghan’s desire to create a new life as a young family.
Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time working Members of the Royal Family, we respect and understand their wishes to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family,” the statement read.
“Harry and Meghan have made clear that they do not want to be reliant on public funds in their new lives. It has therefore been agreed that there will be a period of transition in which the Sussexes will spend time in Canada and the UK.
“These are complex matters for my family to resolve, and there is some more work to be done, but I have asked for final decisions to be reached in the coming days.”
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