Meghan Markle and Prince Harry announce they're "stepping down" from royal duties

Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, say they are stepping back from their roles as senior members of the British royal family and plan to work towards becoming "financially independent," the couple announced on Wednesday.

The news comes amid speculation the couple want to move to Canada.

In the statement, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle said: ”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.

“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.”

They added: “We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour 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.”

The royal couple visited Vancouver for a six-week holiday over Christmas with Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland.

The Sussexes have publicly struggled with media coverage of their relationship, the duchess launching a privacy action against the Mail on Sunday while Harry pursues the owners of The Sun and The Daily Mirror over alleged phone-hacking.