Meghan Markle returns to Canada after deciding to quit royal duties

The Duchess of Sussex has returned to Canada to be with her son Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, a spokesperson for the royal has confirmed to Reuters.

Last week, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex made an unprecedented announcement on social media about their futures within the royal family.

The couple said in an Instagram post on Wednesday, Jan.8, that they wish to step down as “senior” members of the royal family, become financially independent and split their time between North America and the UK.

As discussions about their decision continue among the royal family — with Buckingham Palace saying discourse is “at an early stage” — the duchess has returned to the country that she called her home for seven years while starring in legal drama Suits.

Meghan and Prince Harry spent time in Canada over Christmas with their 8-month-old son.

It has been reported that the duke and duchess “ignored” the Queen’s request to delay their shock announcement.

Several high-profile celebrities, including comedian Amy Schumer, filmmaker Ava DuVernay and actor Bette Midler have publicly responded to the royal couple’s news.

DuVernay jokingly suggested she would be willing to direct The Crown if the Netflix television series were to depict the events currently unfolding within the royal family.

Midler described the announcement as a “sad story,” drawing parallels between the treatment of the duchess in the media and that of her mother-in-law, the late Diana, Princess of Wales.

“They hounded and bullied her until it was no longer tenable to stay, just like Diana,” the First Wives Club actor tweeted.

“They’ll never learn until it hits them in the wallet. I hope she bankrupts them all.”

The Independent