Royals to work 'at pace' with governments to find 'workable solution' to Harry and Meghan's decision to quit

The Royal family has said it will work "at pace" with different governments to find "workable solutions" to Harry and Meghan's decision to step back from front line royal duties.

ITV News Royal Editor Chris Ship reported that the Queen, Prince Charles and Prince William will be involved in discussions with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

He reports that "governments" - which are anticipated to include the governments in both the UK, Canada and also the US - will be involved.

  • ITV News Royal Editor Chris Ship believes some solutions could be in place by the middle of next week, but questions how Prince Harry can remove himself from the Royal family and says there will still be a huge interest in the Duck and Duchess of Sussex despite their attempt to distance themselves from it.

The couple announced through a personal message they plan to "step back" as senior royals and divide their time between the UK and North America.

However it is understood neither the monarch, nor Prince Charles or Prince William were told in advance this statement was due to be issued.

Senior royals are said to have been left "hurt" and "deeply disappointed" by the announcement.

  • ITV News Presenter Tom Bradby, who filmed a documentary with the couple in Africa, explains "how inevitable all this was"

However, ITV News Presenter Tom Bradby, who filmed a documentary with the couple during their tour of Africa last summer, spoke about how the couple's desire to leave the front line of royal duties was not totally unknown to senior members of the family; but their timing was.

"It's certainly not true to say the palace were blindsided by this," he said.

"The couple's view was they came back and wanted to talk to the family about their plans. It had been made clear to them in their absence there was going to be a slimmed down monarchy and they weren't really a part of it."

He went on to say how the couple were asked to put down their suggestions on paper - but initially declined to do so for fear of a press leak.

When that did happen, and the news leaked, the couple then decided to go public with their decision without alerting the other Royals they were doing so, sending ripples through the family firm.

The monarch, Prince Charles and Prince William were not informed of the decision. Credit: PA

Harry and Meghan said in their ground-breaking personal statement they will work to become "financially independent", while continuing to "fully support" the Queen.

The statement - and a new official Sussexroyal.com website - have thrown up important questions about funding for the couple's round-the-clock security, media access to their royal events and how they will pay for their future lifestyles.

If the Royals are to meet in person to hold discussions, they appear to have the next five days free of any public engagements.

The Duke of Cambridge is due to be in Yorkshire for a number of appearances next Wednesday, alongside the Duchess of Cambridge.

Meanwhile, Harry is not expected to be seen in public again until next Thursday, when he will do the draw for the Rugby League World Cup in 2021.

Given the Queen's timetable of "days" it is likely they will want any talks concluded before the Prince of Wales travels to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories at the end of the month, to mark the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the former Nazi concentration camp, Auschwitz-Birkenau.

The latest developments reveal the divisions within the heart of the British monarchy which has already been rocked by the Duke of York's disastrous television interview about his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.