Harry and Meghan to step back as senior royals and become financially independent  

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex said in a statement: ‘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.

‘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.’ 

It came after Harry and Meghan’s rumoured relocation to Canada has today sparked fresh speculation that they could be about to step back from their royal duties and withdraw from public life.

The Duke and Duchess are said to be looking at making the move across the Atlantic where they would be based for a significant part of the year, as they ‘consider their future’ and reassess their role within the royal household.

The couple recently returned from a six-week break in Canada over the festive period, where they spent their first Christmas together as a family with baby Archie at a £10.7million home in Vancouver Island.

Sources told The Sun that they will start discussing their plans with senior royals — expected to include the Queen and Prince Charles  — in the coming days, but the Palace told MailOnline that they would not comment on ‘speculation.’