Megxit facts for kids
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On 8 January 2020, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, announced on Instagram their decision to "step back as 'senior' members" of the British royal family, split their time between the United Kingdom and North America, and become financially independent. This was dubbed Megxit, a portmanteau of the words "Meghan" and "exit" and a play on the term Brexit, and adopted globally on mainstream and social media, spawning various Internet memes and "Megxit" merchandising.
The announcement of their decision led to a meeting of the royal family on 13 January, dubbed the "Sandringham Summit" and described as "unprecedented". Queen Elizabeth II issued a rare personal statement on her family, and was praised for her rapid handling of the matter. On 18 January, an agreement was announced whereby the couple would "no longer be working members of Britain's royal family", and would not use their "Royal Highness" styles.
Collins English Dictionary added "Megxit" to its online edition as a top-ten Word of 2020. A twelve-month review period was allowed in case the couple changed their minds. On 19 February 2021, Buckingham Palace confirmed that the Duke and Duchess would relinquish their royal patronages, as they were not returning as working members of the royal family. The couple's announcement of their decision came to signify the break by the couple from the royal family and its protocol, and their plans for independence under their new brand, then tentatively named Sussex Royal.
On 21 February 2020, it was confirmed that "Sussex Royal" would not be used as a brand name for the couple. Harry and Meghan were expected to establish a non-profit organisation later in 2020. Meanwhile, Sussex Royal Foundation was renamed MWX Foundation on 5 August 2020 and dissolved the same day.
Main details
- The couple will no longer represent the Queen. This was in contrast to the couple's earlier statement on their sussexroyal.com website that they would carry out future duties for the Queen.
- They will retain the Royal Highness style but will not use it.
- They will be financially independent of the British exchequer (and will repay the £2.4 million renovation costs of Frogmore Cottage);
- Harry would cease duties for all British military appointments (including Captain General Royal Marines), and would no longer officially represent the royal family at military ceremonies.
Other details
- The couple will spend most of their time in North America.
- Frogmore Cottage would continue to function as their British home, but they would pay a "commercial rent" for it.
- The couple would retain their private patronages and associations (e.g. Invictus Games), but not royal ones (e.g. Commonwealth Youth Ambassador).
- Prince Charles would continue to provide financial support.
In October 2023, Byline Times reported that Charles withdrew £700,000 in funding for Harry and Meghan, forcing them out of the Sandringham Agreement and spurring their pursuit of commercial deals in the USA.
Reactions
The initial British reactions to the 8 January announcement was of surprise, and concern whether the decision was properly thought through; the story dominated the British news cycle.
British prime minister Boris Johnson distanced himself from the news, stating: "The royal family is one of the great, great assets of this country. I'm sure they are going to sort it out and I don't think it's necessarily helped by commentary from me."
