On Monday, Queen Elizabeth confirmed that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will be splitting time between the UK and Canada because of their decision to cease their royal duties as official senior members of the Royal Family.
The couple said that they want financial independence and create a progressive new role in the monarchy.
What Did the Queen Respond to the Couple’s Decision?
According to a statement by the Queen, though they would prefer for the couple to stay full-time members of the Royal Family, they’re respective and understanding of their wish for a more independent life as a family, while remaining a valued part of the family.
Even though there have been other speculations like the couple’s desire to move to Canada, there are a lot of other decisions to be taken by the Royal Family and the Sussexes concerning the engagement levels they choose.
The PM of Canada, Justin Trudeau said that these are all things that they support.
Why Move to Canada?
For the couple, Canada is a very special place.
Even though it’s not entirely clear where they will be moving to exactly, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have spent this Christmas on the Vancouver Island with their son Archie.
According to spokesperson for the couple, they’re both fond of Canada and the decision to live there is a reflection of the necessity of this Commonwealth country to both of them. The couple loves the beauty of the landscape and sharing it with their son.
Meghan Markle also lived in Toronto for several years while filming the TV series Suits and it’s a city she once called ‘her second home’.
In a 2016 interview, she said that people of Toronto are very welcoming.
She also noted that she loves the food there and exploring the nooks around the city with her two dogs.
Prince Harry also enjoyed Canada while growing up- he skied in Whistler B.C. at a young age and has went there many times.
He always liked British Columbia and was there during the Olympics and loved it.
The couple made a public appearance at the 2017 Invictus Games that took place in Toronto.
The Couple Has Canadian Friends
The former actress, now a Royal, is best friends with Jessica Mulroney, a Canadian fashion stylist who resides in Toronto.
They became very close while the actress was filming Suits.
The stylist’s husband is the host of E-Talk and the son of the former PM, Brian Mulroney.
Their three children participated in the Royals’ wedding 2 years ago.
Some tabloids even speculated that Mulroney was an unofficial wedding planner for the couple. However, the stylist has always kept her relationship with the former actress very private.
How Does Canada Feel about this Possible Decision?
According to a tweet by Trudeau for the couple’s holiday time in Canada, he wished them a quiet and blessed stay and that they’re among friends and always welcome.
What’s more, a poll by Postmedia found that more than 60 percent of Canadian residents would support the appointment of Prince Harry to governor general.
For Anne T. Donahue, Toronto writer, their moving to Canada would be ‘the fairytale we all deserve’.
However, despite a lot of people being supportive of the couple’s decision, others questioned if taxpayers in Canada would have extra costs for the couple’s stay in the country.
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