Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are splitting off into a new household, the royal family recently announced. They actually wanted to be even MORE independent, but Queen Elizabeth reportedly vetoed the idea.
Last week, Kensington Palace announced that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are forming their very own household this spring. Their new office won't be at Kensington but instead at Buckingham Palace with the Queen.
But that's not what Meghan and Harry originally requested, the Sunday Times reports. The paper called their request a "breakaway bid."
"They wanted their household to be entirely independent of Buckingham Palace, but were told 'no,'" a royal source told the paper. "There is an institutional structure that doesn't allow that kind of independence. The feeling is that it's good to have the Sussexes under the jurisdiction of Buckingham Palace, so they can't just go off and do their own thing."
Welp, it was worth a try?
Ever since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex got engaged in November 2017, they've had their own private office to handle their staff and affairs.
That office is part of Kensington Palace, which also represents the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge — Kate and William live there and have their office there. Meanwhile, Buckingham Palace represents the Queen.
Last week, the royal family announced that Meghan and Harry are splitting into a new household and will be departing from Kensington Palace.
The news came after months of rumors of tension between the two couples. Also, Meghan and Harry are expecting their first baby in a few weeks, and they live increasingly independent lives from the Cambridges, so striking out on their own makes sense.
"The Queen has agreed to the creation of a new Household for The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, following their marriage in May last year," the statement read.
"The Household, which will be created with the support of The Queen and The Prince of Wales, will be established in the spring."
The statement called the decision a "long-planned move." The Sussexes will soon hire new, entirely separate staff, which sources say may help ease any possible tension with the Cambridges.
The statement explained that Meghan and Harry's new household office will be based in Buckingham Palace with the Queen. It will be jointly funded by Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles. The new staff will report to the Buckingham Palace communications secretary.
But that wasn't what Meghan and Harry originally had in mind, the Sunday Times claims.
"They wanted their household to be entirely independent of Buckingham Palace, but were told 'no,'" a royal source said.
"There is an institutional structure that doesn't allow that kind of independence. The feeling is that it's good to have the Sussexes under the jurisdiction of Buckingham Palace, so they can't just go off and do their own thing."
Meghan and Harry want to build a global "Sussex brand" focused on philanthropy and humanitarianism, E! reports. The Duchess of Sussex also wants to continue her work as an "activist."
But they'll have to do that as part of Buckingham Palace, it seems!
In addition to the new household office, Meghan and Harry are leaving Kensington Palace for a new residence at Windsor Castle.
The royal family announced that news in November. The Sussexes are moving into Frogmore Cottage, a much bigger residence with more room for their growing family.
Again, fans speculated that the decision to move was an attempt to get away from the Cambridges. But it could easily just be a practical life choice. Frogmore Cottage is much more spacious than the Sussexes' current residence, and it's away from the spotlight — the perfect place to raise their royal baby.
Meghan is reportedly planning to hold her second baby shower at Buckingham Palace soon. Her first shower was in New York with her (mostly American and Canadian) closest friends.
Kate Middleton didn't attend that first baby shower, nor did Meghan's mom, Doria Ragland. This second baby shower across the pond will be another intimate gathering with family and close friends, including Victoria Beckham, according to the Daily Mail.
"Doria is coming to a baby shower here," a source told the outlet. "It will be a small gathering of five or six people."
Meghan originally planned to host the event at their new home at Frogmore Cottage. But the place is still being renovated, so they reportedly may move the celebration to Buckingham Palace.
Baby showers aren't even a British tradition, but Meghan and Harry really like to do their own thing. Except when the Queen steps in, apparently!
