Not that we thought she would change her mind anyway, but Meghan Markle has officially decided not to return to her royal duties a year after she and her husband, Prince Harry, took on a “reduced role” in the British royal family. Hollywood is calling! And she has picked up! Buckingham Palace confirmed to the Associated Press on Friday that the couple have resigned from their roles, a decision that solidifies the split between them and the rest of those stuffy Crown-ers across the pond. “They will not be returning as working members of the Royal Family,” the statement from the palace read. “While all are saddened by their decision, the Duke and Duchess remain much loved members of the family.” As protocol dictates with their historic departure, Harry will be stripped of his military titles, while Markle has to relinquish her cultural patronages. No worries, they have an entertainment empire in the works.
Update, 1:50 p.m.: Ex-royals can be a wee bit snippy, too. In response to a separate statement from Buckingham Palace that cited Queen Elizabeth’s belief that it’s “not possible” for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry “to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service,” the couple responded with the following rebuttal: “We can all live a life of service. Service is universal.” (Significant “I think we all sing” energy here.) In fairness, the queen has been having a bad week.
