Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have announced this evening (January 8) they are quitting as senior royals to spend more time in North America.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex released the statement through Buckingham Palace saying they planned to "carve out a progressive new role within this institution".
They also said they hoped to become 'financially independent" and pursue a new "charitable entity".
It's expected the shock announcement will upset millions of fans across the globe as well as those in Bristol where he visited last February. They were shown around the city's Old Vic before visiting the Empire Fighting Chance project in Easton.
Their statement reads: "We intend to step back as 'senior' members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen.
"It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment,"
"We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages.
"We look forward to sharing the full details of this exciting next step in due course, as we continue to collaborate with Her Majesty The Queen, The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge and all relevant parties. Until then, please accept our deepest thanks for your continued support."
"This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity."
The couple have just returned to the UK from a six week Christmas break in Canada.
After their return to London, it was speculated they would be splitting their time between Canada and the UK and dropping their 'HRH' titles.
The couple are also in a legal battle against the Mail on Sunday over a claim that it unlawfully published one of her private letters.
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