Meghan and Harry's love story has captivated the world since day one. Their announcement that they would be stepping down as senior members of the royal family shook the world. They clearly desire more freedom and privacy to work and live on their own terms.
You've likely heard this surprising Megxit news, but it's not immediately clear how this will affect Meghan's day-to-day life. Here are 5 ways she'll remain a princess and 5 ways she'll have more freedom.
10 Same: Scrutiny
Meghan and Harry have been under harsh public scrutiny since the day they met. Harry alone was the source of many embarrassing scandals during his youth. It's unlikely that the couple will suddenly see less heat in the tabloids or online. It's obvious that they desire more privacy. Simply stepping down from senior royal duties is unlikely to shoo the press off their tail. Meghan has been the target of a lot of unfair press coverage and harsh headlines. Since the couple made their Instagram announcement that unfortunate trend has continued.
9 New: Royal Rota
The royal family has a press corps with exclusive and invasive rights to their lives and daily activities. After they step down, Meghan and Harry will no longer have to participate in this system.
This will ensure at least some measure of privacy will be restored to the young couple and their growing family. Many have speculated that the biased media coverage of Princess Meghan is a huge factor in the decision to step down. Some have also wondered if Harry desires to protect his wife from the same scrutiny his dear mother faced.
8 Same: Fans
One thing is sure to stay the same after this transition. The people who adore Meghan and Harry are cheering on their brave decision and will remain by their side as they seek a more private life. Those who have been charmed by the love and tenderness between Harry and his princess haven't lost an ounce of love for the couple. Baby Archie will have an adoring fan base to watch him grow whether he's royal or not. Those who love Harry and Meghan love them for their kindness, altruism, and positivity. Royalty has nothing to do with it.
7 New: Sovereign Grant
There are many changes ahead for Meghan and her little family. She and Prince Harry have made their intentions clear. They intend to become financially independent of the royal family and the Sovereign Grant. As senior members of the royal family they received a $2.5 million dollars a year salary to live on. Walking away from that amount of money may seem unimaginable to some but Meghan was successful and wealthy long before she ever met Harry. She's a smart and talented businesswoman who will make her way just fine.
6 Same: Supporting The Queen
In their now infamous Instagram post, Harry and Meghan made sure to mention that they will continue to stand by the queen and support her going forward. They did not consult with her before making their decision or announcement which was a major break in protocol. It's unclear just how upset her majesty is with her grandson but her love for Harry will surely go unchanged.
5 New: Less Time With Royal Family
Meghan and Harry understandably spent a considerable amount of time with the royal family. Not only are they Meghan's in-laws but she had many obligations as a senior royal. With all of the public appearances, functions and private family events, Meghan likely spent most of her free time surrounded by Harry's family. Now that she's moving to North America she'll naturally spend less time with the Royals. She may even get to spend more time with her own family in the US.
4 Same: Titles
There has been a lot of buzz about whether or not Meghan and Harry will be stripped of their royal titles. The queen released a statement in which she supported Meghan and her family in their choice to make their own way.
Some speculate that she may have hinted that the couple will lose their titles as the queen referred to them as the "Sussexs" rather than the Duke and Duchess. Setting aside the hype it's unlikely that Meghan will lose her title. If you look to royal history there are other members of the family who have stepped down and retained their titles afterward.
3 New: Free To Work
As a senior royal there were strict limitations on how Meghan could spend her time privately and professionally. Now that she's stepped down she'll be free to pursue her career however she likes. She's announced plans for a new charitable organization bearing her royal surname. She and Prince Harry have always had big hearts and been actively involved in charity work. Meghan may be starting a career in the voice acting world. She's already made an agreement with Disney in exchange for a donation to Elephants Without Borders.
2 Same: She Still Gets The Prince
Meghan's story is a fairytale. She came from humble beginnings but with hard work and dedication to her talents, she made a dream-worthy career for herself in Hollywood. As if that life weren't glamourous enough the stunning actor then met, befriended and fell in love with a handsome prince.
The best part of this chapter of her story is that no matter what, she gets to keep her prince. Harry is a very lucky man to have such a strong and hardworking woman by his side. Their love story is at the heart of this decision and that should never be forgotten.
1 New: Less Time In England
One of the most obvious changes that come with this big move is that Meghan will be spending far less time in England. She and her young family announced that they intend to spend much more time in North America going forward. Meghan has pledged to uphold her duty to the people of Britain so she'll likely be returning quite often. As much backlash as Meghan has received in the media there is still a loyal throng of devoted fans in her second home country that would miss her dearly if she cut ties entirely.
