What is Megxit?

Megxit is the term used to describe the announcement by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex that they will be stepping back as senior royals and work to become financially independent.

Prince Harry and his wife Meghan released a statement saying that they wanted to split their time between the UK and North America whilst still honouring their duties to the Queen.

The media and the general public, mainly via Twitter have coined this phrase as Megxit – aka Meghan (and Harry) Exit (from the Royal Family).

No, it is understood that Meghan and Harry did not consult any senior royals before making the statement public, it is also understood that they were already working on the plan and feared that it would or had been leaked, which is why it took Buckingham Palace by surprise.

Prince Harry has never followed the traditional protocol of the Royal Family, at the age 11 he had to follow in the footsteps of his mother’s coffin and a few acts of rebellion have followed.

However, Prince Harry keeps in with his late mother’s beliefs and uses the traumas that she went through to protect his wife Meghan.

The public is upset for many reasons, but mainly as they feel deeply that Meghan has taken him away from his family and encourages them to live a normal life.

They have also been criticised for many reasons recently including taking private jets to various destinations, whilst at the same time protesting about climate change.

They have also spent millions of taxpayers money on renovating Frogmore Cottage, which may or may not be lived in anymore.

At the moment, Prince Harry and Meghan have said that they want to spilt their time between the UK and North America, however, speculation rises that they may settle in Canada after a 6 week extended break over Christmas 2019.

It is understood that no members of the Royal Family were consulted before the statement was released by Prince Harry and Meghan. This includes both the Queen and the Prince of Wales.

A palace spokeswoman told the BBC that the Royal Family was “Disappointed”.

“We understand their desire to take a different approach, but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through,” she added to the BBC (What has the rest of the Royal Family said?- BBC News)

Additional (added 20th January 2020) – It is now understood that Prince Harry and Meghan will lose their HRH titles, from the Spring of 2020 they will be known as Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.

It has also been confirmed that Harry and Meghan will no longer receive public funds for royal duties. They wish to become financially independent.

They have also said that they will repay the £2.4 million of taxpayers’ money on renovating Frogmore Cottage, which Harry and Meghan will retain. They will also have to pay rent for this property, which will remain their UK family home.

It is also understood that they will still receive an income from Prince Charles, although this has not been confirmed.

The Queen’s full statement on Harry and Meghan, can be read here: Queen’s Statement in full

The full Buckingham Palace statement can be read here: Buckingham Palace Full Statement

Prince Harry and Meghan have also changed the way that the media can deal with the royal couple, having updated their website with a new set of parameters.

Encouraging engagement with grassroots media organisations and young, up-and-coming journalists.

They have also pulled out of the Royal rota system, where media organisations have access to royal events and engagements but must share the material they gather.

Yes, it is believed that Prince Harry and Meghan will keep Frogmore Cottage as their official UK residence after spending millions on renovating the cottage.

They moved from Nottingham House due to their expanding family.

It is believed that Prince Harry and Meghan will still keep their official titles, which is unprecedented.

It is also worth noting that Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice have also kept their titles, despite having jobs external to the Royal family.

It is the usual protocol for Queen Elizabeth II to give permission for Prince Harry and Meghan to give the required approval, however, it is understood that the Royal family were not consulted beforehand.

Prince Harry and Meghna do not have any special tax privileges, therefore if they were to earn money outside of the Royal family, then they would officially be taxpayers.

At the moment, due to the way Prince Harry and Meghan are funded by the public and the Royal Family, such as an income from the Duchy, they are not liable to pay tax.

At the moment, Prince Harry and Meghan receive 5% of their official expenses from the Sovereign Grant. This is a lump sum of money that comes from the UK Government and is effectively taxpayers’ money.

It is understood Prince Harry and Meghan will give this up in order to become financially independent.

The balance of 95% comes from Prince Charles, through his private estate, the Duchy of Cornwall. It is not currently known whether this will continue after the move.

Prince Harry also inherited from his late mother, Princess Diana’s estate. However, the figures may not sustain long-term financial independence.

It is understood that Prince Harry and Meghan spent approx. £2.4 million of taxpayers’ money on renovating Frogmore Cottage which is located in the Windsor Estate.

This is correct as of 10th January 2020:

1. The Prince of Wales 
2. The Duke of Cambridge 
3. Prince George of Cambridge 
4. Princess Charlotte of Cambridge
5. Prince Louis of Cambridge
6. The Duke of Sussex  
7. Master Archie Mountbatten-Windsor
8. The Duke of York
9. Princess Beatrice of York 
10. Princess Eugenie of York 
11. The Earl of Wessex 
12. Viscount Severn 
13. The Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor 
14. The Princess Royal 
15. Mr. Peter Phillips 
16. Miss Savannah Phillips 
17. Miss Isla Phillips 
18. Mrs. Michael Tindall

At the moment, there is some confusion in regards to last names. But it is understood that Prince Harry and Meghan’s last name is Mountbatten-Windsor.

A return would be possible, however, many of the appointments that Harry has had previously will likely be filled by other people.

It is understood that the HRH is unreversible, although this has not been confirmed by any sources.

Although Prince Harry will always remain a Prince, as he was born one.

From Spring 2020, they will be known as Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.

Piers Morgan is believed to be the biggest critic of Prince Harry and Meghan’s decision to step away from the Royal Duties and the family.

Harry’s recent speech at a charity event at The Ivy Club Chelsea, Piers believes was an attack on the Royal Family, stating that he had “no option” – Piers said that Prince Harry did have a choice.

Susanna Reid, co-presenter to Piers Morgan on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, sympathises and agrees with the choices Harry and Meghan have made.

Sussex Royal is the brand that enables Harry and Meghan independence and is what the couple will be known as once financial independence is reached.

Yes, Meghan and Harry talked about their move to the USA in an exclusive interview with Oprah Winfrey aired in March 2021. They discussed many things include racial discrimination and mental health.

The interview resulted in the TV presenter; Piers Morgan walking out whilst discussing the situation on his morning TV show; Good Morning Britain. Piers Morgan did not believe a word that Meghan had said, and refused to apologise on-air for his comments.