Was Harry and Meghan’s Exit Statement in 2020 a 'Swipe' at the Queen and Beatrice and Eugenie?
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's 2020 exit remains one of the most controversial chapters in royal history. Citing a desire for financial independence, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped down as senior royals and relocated to the US in search of privacy. Just hours after their official exit statement, the couple posted an 'update' on their Sussex Royal website, one that, according to royal author Tom Bower, took a subtle 'swipe' at the late Queen Elizabeth. In it, they stated that the Queen had no 'jurisdiction' over the use of the word 'royal' outside the UK.
Senior Buckingham Palace officials have long speculated about the Sussexes' intention to 'monetize the monarchy,' pointing out their reluctance to give up their royal titles. Harry and Markle's 1,114-word update argued that the late Queen and the government would be powerless to prevent them from using 'royal' while abroad. Their pointed statement also asserted that Harry's position in the line of succession would remain unchanged. It read, "While there is not any jurisdiction by the monarchy or Cabinet Office over the use of the word 'royal' overseas, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex do not intend to use 'Sussex Royal' or any iteration of the word 'royal' in any territory (either within the UK or otherwise) when the transition occurs Spring 2020."
According to the Daily Mail, Bower noted that the scathing 1,000-word statement barely concealed the Sussexes' 'simmering resentment' toward other family members, including Prince William and Kate Middleton. At the time, Harry and Markle felt they were treated unfairly compared to William and Middleton, who, they claimed, had monetized their charitable foundation without facing hindrance. They also alluded to Harry's uncle, aunt, and cousins, saying, "While there is precedent for other titled members of the royal family to seek employment outside of the institution, for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, a 12-month review period has been put in place." It was seen as a reference to Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, who have separate careers beyond the royal family.
Commenting on their pointed digs, a royal source told The Mirror at the time, "It's pretty clear they are referencing minor royals such as Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, which is an odd association to make for two people whose associates were once claiming they had single-handedly modernized the monarchy." Meanwhile, Bower opined that Harry and Markle's next statement about quitting the Firm, after the brand update, was much more hostile, which allegedly 'blindsided' the late Queen.
In their final statement announcing their departure, the Sussexes claimed that they were moving out to attain 'financial independence' while continuing to support Her Majesty, the Queen. Dubbing it a "deliberate challenge to the royal family," Bower reflected on their words, revealing that "Their promise of 'collaboration' in a 'progressive' future was, many thought, an insult to the Queen."