How Meghan Markle, Prince Harry Were Pressured Into Betraying Royal Family With Announcement

Since Meghan Markle and Prince Harry announced their plans to “step back” from their duties, there have been reports suggesting the couple has created tension in the royal family.

Although some members of the monarchy were left feeling betrayed and disappointed by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, an insider claimed the couple felt their only choice was to make their announcement without informing senior royals.

Those close to Meghan and Prince Harry told Us Weekly that they felt forced to share their plans for 2020 earlier than expected. After the pair learned The Sun planned to publish a story about their decision, they made they released their statement on Wednesday.

Despite feeling pressured to share the news before the press, Harry and Meghan failed to achieve their goal. “It was the paper’s front page hours before the official announcement, so Harry and Meghan technically didn’t beat them to it,” the source said.

On Thursday, Queen Elizabeth reportedly called an emergency meeting with Prince William, Kate Middleton, and Prince Charles to discuss the announcement.

“[They] have directed their teams to work at pace with governments and the Sussexes’ office to find workable solutions, and this is expected to take days, not weeks,” a palace source told the outlet.

In 2020, Meghan and Prince Harry plan to focus on their son Archie and create a name for themselves, outside 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 joint statement read.

“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.”