By Katherine Tinsley
2:14pm PST, Jan 16, 2026
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On Kate Middleton’s 38th birthday, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced they were leaving the U.K.
“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,” the couple said in a statement.
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“It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment,” Prince Harry and Meghan Markle continued.
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle initially hoped to split their time between the U.K. and the Commonwealth, but their plans were quickly shut down.
“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,” the Sussexes said.
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“Until then, please accept our deepest thanks for your continued support,” Prince Harry and Meghan Markle concluded.
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“Megxit” wouldn’t be the first time Prince Harry and Meghan Markle took attention away from Kate Middleton, as the duke released his memoir, Spare, on his sister-in-law’s birthday in 2023.