Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Are "Focusing on Their Family" Right Now
When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle first announced their plans to step back from their senior royal roles in January, they almost certainly didn't predict they would be doing so in the midst of a global pandemic.
But as the date of their official transition approaches, the Sussexes are addressing the unusual circumstances.
"The Duke and Duchess of Sussex would prefer that in the immediate weeks and months, the focus remains on the global response to COVID-19. However, we recognise there are outstanding questions relating to their future beyond their Household transition deadline," reads a statement from a spokesperson for the Sussexes.
"The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will spend the next few months focusing on their family and continuing to do what they can, safely and privately, to support and work with their pre-existing charitable commitments while developing their future non-profit organisation."
The statement clarified a number of elements of their new roles, some of which had previously been spelled out like the 12-month review period, and the change in their use of titles. It also noted that the Sussexes will no longer post under the @SussexRoyal Instagram hand or update the SussexRoyal.com website.
Additionally, the Sussexes shared a message on that Instagram account today nodding to the upcoming changes:
"As we all find the part we are to play in this global shift and changing of habits, we are focusing this new chapter to understand how we can best contribute. While you may not see us here, the work continues. Thank you to this community - for the support, the inspiration and the shared commitment to the good in the world. We look forward to reconnecting with you soon. You’ve been great!," reads the caption in part. "Until then, please take good care of yourselves, and of one another. Harry and Meghan."
A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal) on Mar 30, 2020 at 9:17am PDT
Also confirmed today was the hiring of Catherine St Laurent as the couple's chief of staff. Moving forward, their press will be handled by the agency Sunshine Sachs in the US and by James Holt on the UK, and Buckingham Palace will no longer comment on matters relating to the Sussexes.
This statement this morning comes shortly after reports that Harry and Meghan have left Canada to settle in Los Angeles, though it's still unclear if the move is a permanent one. While they're far from the UK, the Sussexes are still staying in touch with the rest of the royal family. Last week, Prince Charles spoke with Prince Harry following his positive COVID-19 diagnosis. The Prince of Wales is now out of isolation, and said to be in good health.
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