“No, I never blindsided my grandmother,” Harry said. “I have too much respect for her.”
For more onPrince HarryandMeghan Markle’s interview with Oprah, listen below to the episode of PEOPLE Every Day.
The prince continued that he had three conversations about the subject with the Queen and two conversations withPrince Charles— “before he stopped taking my calls.”
Prince Charlesthen askedPrince Harryto put their plan in writing. Harry did, including telling his family the date that they planned to announced the news.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.CBS/Youtube
Meghan andPrince Harryannounced in Jan. 2020 they intended to “step back as senior members of the Royal Family” and split their time between the U.K. and North America.
“After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution,” they said in a statement. “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.”
Can’t get enough ofPEOPLE’s Royals coverage?Sign up for our free Royals newsletterto get the latest updates onKate Middleton,Meghan Markleand more!
Prince Harry, his fatherPrince Charlesand his brotherPrince Williammet withQueen Elizabethat Sandringham, her country home, to discuss Harry and Meghan’s announcement in what became known as the “Sandringham Summit.”
After the 90-minute discussion, the Queen, 94,released a rare and emotional statement.
“Today my family had very constructive discussions on the future of my grandson and his family,” she said.
“My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghan’s desire to create a new life as a young family,” she continued. “Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time working Members of the Royal Family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family.”
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and Oprah Winfrey.Joe Pugliese/Harpo Productions
Less than a week after the couple announced that they areexpecting their second child, Buckingham Palace confirmed that the couple will officiallynot be returning to their royal roles. The announcement came a few weeks shy of their 12-month review period.
Get the premiere issue of PEOPLERoyalsfor glamorous new photos and inside stories royals fans haven’t seen or read elsewhere! Subscribe atpeopleroyals.com/launch
AlthoughPrince Harryand Meghan no longer use their coveted His/Her Royal Highness titles, they will retain them — along with their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles.
source: people.com
