In the aftermath ofMeghan MarkleandPrince Harry‘s announcement that they plan tostep down from their royal roles, the couple are currently on opposite sides of the pond.
Meghan, 38, andPrince Harry, 35, shared their decision to step down as senior members of the royal family on Wednesday, soon after whichMeghan flew back to Canadatoreunite with Archie. Harry, meanwhile, remained in England to continue the discussion about the big changes ahead withQueen Elizabeth,Prince Charlesand Prince William.
Now that the so-called “Sandringham Summit” is over, some have wondered whyPrince Harryhasn’t returned to Canada to reunite with his wife and son.
Prince Harry and son Archie.Sussex Royals
At the conclusion of the historic family summit on Monday,Queen Elizabethannounced that that as conversations regarding Meghan and Harry’s decision to step down as senior royals continue, there will be a “period of transitionin which the Sussexes will spend time in Canada and the U.K.”
“Althoughwe would have preferredthem to remain full-time working Members of the Royal Family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family,” The Queen, 93, said in the statement, going on to specifically mention that the royal couple “do not want to be reliant on public fundsin their new lives.”
“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.”
One such matter that appears to still be unresolved is the question of who willcover security costsfor the trio during their time in Canada.
According to a report from theEvening Standard, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has privately assured the Queen that Canada will help pay for their security, although Canadian Finance Minister Bill Morneau has gone on the record as sayingno final decision has been made.
“No, we haven’t spent any time thinking about this issue,” Morneau told reporters on Monday, according to CBC News. “We obviously are always looking to make sure, as a member of the Commonwealth, we play a role. We have not had any discussions on that subject at this time.”
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/POOL/AFP via Getty
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At the time, the palace said Harry and Meghan’s decision to base themselves in the country over the holidays “reflects the importance of this Commonwealth country to them both.”
“The Duke of Sussex has been a frequent visitor to Canada over many years, and it was also home to The Duchess for seven years before she became a member of the Royal Family,” the statement continued. “They are enjoying sharing the warmth of the Canadian people and the beauty of the landscape with their young son.”
source: people.com
