Cape Town - They will no longer use their HRH titles, they will no longer receive royal funds, and they will have to pay back the money for their Frogmore Cottage refurbishment – but Meghan and Harry will finally have the freedom they’ve so desperately wanted.
1) THE ANNOUNCEMENT
One of the biggest royal shockers in recent years came early in 2020 and shook the British Monarchy when Harry and Meghan announced they would official step down as senior members of the royal family.
"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," the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced in a statement on their official Instagram account on 8 January.
2) THE BACKLASH
Buckingham Palace was quick to release a statement saying the "complicated" negotiations are still on-going and in a sensitive phase.
"Discussions with The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are at an early stage," Buckingham Palace said in a statement before admitting not even the royal family is sure where things will go from here. "We understand their desire to take a different approach," the palace added, "but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through."
3) THE ACCEPTANCE
The queen later released another statement saying she supports Harry and Meghan choice to follow their own path and that they will find a solution as soon as possible.
"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 wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family."
READ MORE: Queen Elizabeth 'entirely supportive' of Harry and Meghan's decision
4) THE FINAL DECISION
On Saturday, 18 January 2020 Buckingham Palace revealed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will give up their HRH titles and lose their royal funds from the spring of 2020.
"The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are grateful to Her Majesty and the Royal Family for their ongoing support as they embark on the next chapter of their lives. As agreed in this new arrangement, they understand that they are required to step back from Royal duties, including official military appointments. They will no longer receive public funds for Royal duties."
READ MORE: Harry and Meghan will give up royal highness titles and lose royal funds
Compiled by Herman Eloff. (Photos: Getty Images)