Royal family 'upset' by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's decision to step back from royal duties

The discussion of their future life has only just begun.

The royal family is "upset" by the announcement from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex that they want to step back from carrying out royal duties. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle did not consult any member of the royal family before making this announcement. This is according to the BBC.

Prince Harry is sixth in line to the British throne, after his father Prince Charles, his brother Prince William and William's three children. BBC royal correspondent Johnny Dymond reported that Buckingham Palace was stunned by the announcement.

The discussion of the Sussexes' future life has only just begun. Buckingham Palace said that "complex issues" are subject to discussion. A former press secretary to the Queen suggested that Prince Harry was guided by his heart rather than his head in making this decision.

According to him, one of the reasons the Sussexes decided to leave the royal court was excessive press attention after the birth of their son Archie. He claims it remains unclear how the couple will carry out their plan: "Security questions: who will provide it? Will it be Scotland Yard, which is responsible for the security of the royal family? Or will it be the Canadians, if they are asked? And who will pay for it?".

Experts believe it is worth waiting now and seeing whether Harry and Meghan can present a new model of behaviour for members of the royal family, or whether this decision can be considered merely the first step towards leaving it.

Earlier, Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle announced on their Instagram that they are stepping down as 'senior' members of the royal family. From now on, they will live in the US and the UK, and will also become financially independent.