Prince Harry's devastating regret after huge statement about his future with Meghan Markle

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle shocked fans when they announced they were stepping down from the Royal Family, just 20 months after tying the knot.

The couple confirmed the news in a statement released on social media - and it seems Harry later had some regrets about the way they shared their decision. The Sussexes cited a desire for more privacy and a wish to support themselves financially in a message they released on Instagram on 8 January 2020.

"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. 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.

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But their announcement came as a shock to many of those closest to them - including the late Queen. And, as reported by the Telegraph, Harry later regretted how he had "blindsided" his grandmother with the announcement by not talking to her first.

A source told the publication at the time: "I don't think he fully appreciated the impact the statement would have in terms of them not consulting the Queen. He regrets that."

The Sussexes' shock announcement led the Queen to issue an unprecedented statement in which she confirmed that the couple were no longer "full-time working members of the Royal family".

The late monarch admitted that she would have "preferred" the Sussexes to stay, but insisted she understood and supported their "wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family".

"Harry and Meghan have made clear that they do not want to be reliant on public funds in their new lives," the Queen said. "It has therefore been agreed that there will be a period of transition in which the Sussexes will spend time in Canada and the UK.

"These are complex matters for my family to resolve, and there is some more work to be done, but I have asked for final decisions to be reached in the coming days."

In February 2021, Buckingham Palace issued another statement on behalf of the Queen. "The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have confirmed to Her Majesty The Queen that they will not be returning as working members of The Royal Family," it read.

"Following conversations with The Duke, The Queen has written confirming that in stepping away from the work of The Royal Family it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service. The honorary military appointments and Royal patronages held by The Duke and Duchess will therefore be returned to Her Majesty, before being redistributed among working members of The Royal Family.

"While all are saddened by their decision, The Duke and Duchess remain much loved members of the family."

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