(NewsNation) — A friend of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle is sharing some information about the couple’s decision to step away from the royal family.
When Meghan and Harry stepped down as senior working royals in January 2020, Queen Elizabeth II opposed the idea that they could take a “half-in, half-out” approach to representing the monarchy while pursuing commercial ventures.
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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s friend told Hello! Magazine that the two didn’t agree they’d be partial royals.
“That was what was decided and foisted upon them. They’re just living their lives and they can, because they’re financially independent,” the friend said.
LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 26: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Queen Elizabeth II at the Queen’s Young Leaders Awards Ceremony at Buckingham Palace on June 26, 2018 in London, England. The Queen’s Young Leaders Programme, now in its fourth and final year, celebrates the achievements of young people from across the Commonwealth working to improve the lives of people across a diverse range of issues including supporting people living with mental health problems, access to education, promoting gender equality, food scarcity and climate change. (Photo by John Stillwell – WPA Pool/Getty Images)
WIDNES, UNITED KINGDOM – JUNE 14: (EMBARGOED FOR PUBLICATION IN UK NEWSPAPERS UNTIL 24 HOURS AFTER CREATE DATE AND TIME) Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Queen Elizabeth II attend a ceremony to open the new Mersey Gateway Bridge on June 14, 2018 in Widnes, England. Meghan Markle married Prince Harry last month to become The Duchess of Sussex and this is her first engagement with the Queen. During the visit the pair will open a road bridge in Widnes and visit The Storyhouse and Town Hall in Chester. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
After Meghan and Harry stepped down, they moved to California and raised their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, and pursued opportunities, including shows on Netflix, a best-selling book and a podcast.
Meghan and Harry move back to UK
Prince Harry and Meghan moved back to the U.K. in August after living six years in the U.S.
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Archie and Lilibet enrolled at British schools and started classes in September.
The family reportedly lives in the Cotswolds, located at least 80 miles from London.
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