Meghan and Harry to Step Back From Royal Duties and Move Out of UK Part-Time

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Big news from Meghan Markle and Prince Harry today. They have just announced their plan 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," per a new Instagram post on their Sussex Royal account. In addition to taking on fewer official royal duties in England, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be splitting their time between North America and the UK—presumably settling in Canada, where they just returned from a six-week break.

The couple explained how their 8-month-old son, Archie, factored into the decision. "This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity."

If you've been following the royals' social media accounts, this might not come as a huge surprise considering the increased focus on the heirs to the throne: Prince Charles, Prince William, and Prince George. Plus, the news aligns with a greater royal trend worldwide. In October, the King of Sweden announced a streamlining of his own royal family: Five of his grandchildren will no longer be required to perform official royal duties and won't be entitled to receive royal funds.

We'll update this space when we learn more about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's decision and their new charitable venture. In the meantime, scroll down to revisit Meghan Markle's best recent outfits. 

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On Meghan Markle: Reiss coat; Massimo Dutti skirt; Jimmy Choo shoes

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On Meghan Markle: Everlane The Japanese Go Weave Essential Jumpsuit ($120); Manolo Blahnik heels

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On Meghan Markle: Sentaler coat; Montunas bag

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November 9, 2019
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On Meghan Markle: Erdem dress

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November 7, 2019
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On Meghan Markle: Sentaler coat

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October 22, 2019
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On Meghan Markle: Aritzia dress

Next, Martha Hunt just revealed her beautifully classic engagement ring

Erin Fitzpatrick
Senior News Editor

Erin got her start as a Who What Wear intern over 12 years ago—back when the site only published a single story per day. (Who What Wear has since increased that number twentyfold.) She graduated magna cum laude from USC, which is how she ended up moving to Los Angeles from her hometown of San Diego. In college, she also interned at Refinery29, where she was promoted to editorial assistant and then assistant editor. After nearly three years at R29, she came back to WWW in 2016, where she currently holds the title of senior news editor (as well as the unofficial title of resident royal expert—in case you haven't noticed her numerous Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton stories). She spends her days trying to incorporate her idols, Anna Wintour and Roger Federer, into as many stories as possible. Outside of work, she loves tennis, classic rock, traveling, and smothering her dog with affection.