"It's been saddening." Exactly what Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's statement really means.

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On Friday night, London time, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle released a lengthy statement, detailing what their life outside the British Royal Family will look like.

The statement, which came just weeks after the couple first announced their decision to step down as senior members of the Royal Family, was released following news that the Queen had denied Harry and Meghan permission to continue to use their “Sussex Royal” brand.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s entire personal brand – including their website, Instagram account and a rumoured new charity – currently uses the Sussex Royal branding.

Mamamia’s daily news podcast, The Quicky, investigates Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision to leave the Royal Rota behind. Post continues below.

The new statement, which was released to “mitigate any confusion and subsequent misreporting” surrounding the couple’s exit from the royal family, confirmed that the couple’s revised role will begin on March 31, as they enter a 12-month review.

Since the statement was released, however, royal experts and social media users alike have begun decoding what the couple’s lengthy statement might actually mean.

In recent days, some experts and commentators have shared that they believe the couple’s statement alludes to their disappointment over recent developments. Here’s what royal experts think Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s statement really means.

Their royal titles.

In their statement, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle appeared to respond to the Queen’s decision to remove their royal branding, as they questioned whether they should be allowed to use the title abroad.

Last week, Buckingham Palace released a statement, announcing: “As the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are stepping back as senior members of the Royal Family, and will work towards financial independence, use of the word ‘Royal’, in this context, needed to be reviewed.”

In response, Meghan and Harry wrote: “While there is not any jurisdiction by The Monarchy or Cabinet Office over the use of the word ‘Royal’ overseas, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex do not intend to use ‘Sussex Royal’ or any iteration of the word ‘Royal’ in any territory.”

 

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A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal) on Jan 18, 2020 at 10:30am PST

Harry and Meghan’s response to the ruling has since been labelled by some royal experts as “petulant” and even a little… shady.

“It underlines how unhappy they are with the arrangement and for not being allowed to use it,” royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told The Sun.

“They’re basically saying the royals can’t stop them using it, but they won’t be using it.”

Their independent roles.

When Harry and Meghan announced their plans to step back from the Royal Family, they shared their wish to become “financially independent”.

From March 31, the couple will be financially independent. But once the revised role takes effect, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will undergo a 12-month review.

In their new statement, Harry and Meghan pointed out that exceptions were made for other members of the Royal Family.

“While there is precedent for other titled members of the Royal Family to seek employment outside of the institution, for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, a 12-month review period has been put in place,” the statement read.

In an interview in October 2019, Meghan Markle admitted that she was struggling behind the scenes. Post continues below.

Some royal commentators have questioned whether this particular line is targeted at Peter Phillips as well as Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson’s daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, who are non-working members of the Royal Family with independent careers.

“It’s pretty clear they are referencing minor royals such as Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, which is an odd association to make for two people whose associates were once claiming they had single-handedly modernised the monarchy,” a royal source told The Mirror.

“Their behaviour is completely unprecedented,” Richard Fitzwilliams added, speaking to The Sun.

3. We still wanted to work for the Queen but whatever. Everybody makes money and nobody reviews them (Hi, Peter!) but we’re the only ones “under review.” Whatever. We’ll step back and step down.

— Veronica McDonald???? (@Purify_toast17) February 21, 2020

Their security bill.

Since announcing their plans to exit the Royal Family, many people have been questioning who would pay for the Duke and Duchess’ team of security.

In their new statement, Harry and Meghan didn’t confirm whether they would pay for their own bodyguards. Instead, the question is left pretty much open.

“It is agreed that The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will continue to require effective security to protect them and their son,” the statement reads in part. “This is based on The Duke’s public profile by virtue of being born into The Royal Family, his military service, the Duchess’ own independent profile, and the shared threat and risk level documented specifically over the last few years,” the statement read.

Richard Fitzwilliams responded: “They will obviously continue to receive the security they need for these reasons. The taxpayers in the U.K. and Canada might not like it however.”

Their staff.

Since announcing their decision, some publications reported that Meghan and Harry’s staff were “shocked” about the news that they would be losing their jobs.

In their statement, however, the couple reiterated that they were “actively involved” in the process.

“Over the last month and a half, The Duke and Duchess have remained actively involved in this process, which has understandably been saddening for The Duke and Duchess and their loyal staff, given the closeness of Their Royal Highnesses and their dedicated team,” the statement read, directly responding to the rumours and tabloid claims.

Feature Image: Getty.

For more on this topic:

• Harry and Meghan went looking for a “peaceful life” in Canada. The paparazzi were waiting.
  
• “It is absolutely unprecedented.” Exactly how royal experts reacted to Meghan and Harry’s exit.
  
• All your questions about what Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s new roles are, answered.
  
• Meghan Markle has been vilified by the tabloid media from day one. Just look at the headlines.
  

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