Here's what everyone is saying about Harry and Meghan's groundbreaking decision

'Blindsided' and 'complicated' is the current party line, with glimmers of admiration from the outside world.
January 9, 2020 9:31 a.m. EST
January 11, 2020 11:00 p.m. EST
1177991825
It's been a while since we heard any truly shocking news from the Royal Family. Relationships, marriages, pregnancies — those things are expected. But the announcement the Duke and Duchess of Sussex dropped on Wednesday — that they're stepping back as senior members of the BRF, and will divide their time between the U.K. and North America — was jaw-dropping. To everyone.Because it seems that none of the royals were given a heads-up — not even The Queen herself. Buckingham Palace released a brusque statement of their own, stressing that discussions with Harry and Meghan "are at an early stage," and while they "understand their desire to take a different approach," these are "complicated issues that will take time to work through." Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told Us Weekly that Her Majesty and other royal family members, including Prince Charles and Prince William, learned of the news when the rest of the world did, and described the statement as both "extraordinary" and "totally irresponsible."Us also reported that William was "blindsided" by the news. "It's sad because when they were younger, William would be the first person Harry would go to with big news like this," said the source. "William is incredibly hurt, but at the same time he has his own family to focus on and is trying to move forward with his life."Really, though, what it all comes down to is Harry and Meghan simply wanting to "get on with their work," according to royal reporter Omid Scobie, who also divulged that while this is a unique situation, things aren't going to change too much just yet. Scobie added that in 2020, the Sussexes will also revise how they work with the media, "to ensure diverse and open access to their work," which will hopefully eliminate any false reporting. It may have been months in the making, but it seems their recent time away in Canada gave them the space to reflect on their future, both as royals and as a family. One look at the negative and hateful comments on the Sussexes' Instagram post is all it takes to understand why they would need a change. Celebrities, however, totally get where Harry and Meghan are coming from, and many of them are applauding their decision to be financially independent, no longer use public monies to support themselves, and focus on the work at hand.Jameela Jamil was inspired by their actions. Yup, what Bethenny said. If this storyline ever plays out on-screen (which it totally could), director Ava DuVernay is more than happy to get behind the camera. If Harry and Meghan need work to help them become financially independent, Andy Cohen, executive producer of the Real Housewives franchise, has an idea.
 
View this post on Instagram
 

NOW we’re talking. (@commentsbybravo) #CommentsByCelebs

A post shared by Comments By Celebs (@commentsbycelebs) on

Trevor Noah is always looking for new blood, and if they have royal experience, all the better. And Amy Schumer and husband Chris Fischer totally get it, and figured they'd follow in the couple's footsteps.
 
View this post on Instagram
 

Chris and I are formally stepping down from our royal duties. We appreciate your support.

A post shared by @ amyschumer on

Finally, Meghan's father, Thomas Markle, put in his two cents, telling Us Weekly, "I'll just simply say I'm disappointed." Considering he blames his daughter's ties to the Royal Family for why they no longer have a relationship, one would think he'd be anything but.For now, let's just see where this goes. Harry and Meghan have said how they want it to work — it's just a matter of what The Queen will allow.[video_embed id='1872641']Did a family feud play a part in Harry and Meghan's decision?[/video_embed]

You might also like