Prince Harry + Meghan Markle are stepping back from the monarchy

The Duke + Duchess of Sussex are going their own way

In an Instagram post, the couple explained that “after many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution.”

They continued: “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.”

Planning to spend more time in North America

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle plan to divide their time between the United Kingdom and North America, according to their statement. The couple recently spent the holiday season in Canada, and have many friends in the country as Meghan used to live and work in Toronto.

Of course, as an American, Meghan also has friends and family in the United States. Her mother, Doria Ragland, lives in California.

This decision comes after years of tabloid press

The move comes just a few months after the couple was interviewed by ITV News at Ten anchor for a documentary,—and when Bradby asked the Duchess how she was doing she kept it real.

“Thank you for asking, because not many people have asked if I’m okay, but it’s a very real thing to be going through behind the scenes,” Markle said.

She’s been the subject of extraordinary scrutiny and scorn in the British tabloids and the media coverage of her pregnancy and personal life were a factor in Prince Harry previously releasing a statement on the matter.

“My wife has become one of the latest victims of a British tabloid press that wages campaigns against individuals with no thought to the consequences—a ruthless campaign that has escalated over the past year, throughout her pregnancy and while raising our newborn son,” it reads, in part. “There is a human cost to this relentless propaganda, specifically when it is knowingly false and malicious, and though we have continued to put on a brave face—as so many of you can relate to—I cannot begin to describe how painful it has been.”

More privacy, but still living a public life

Despite their problems with the tabloid press, the Duke and Duchess say they are planning to work with media in the future. As they launch their new charitable entity they plan to “provide access to credible media outlets focused on objective news reporting” and “continue to share information directly with the public” although they will no longer be part of the Royal Rota system .

It sounds like a plan that will give them more privacy while at the same time making them more accessible on their own terms.

The pair will no longer be senior royals, but will still be family to the senior royals and can support them as family. “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,” they explain in their joint statement.

We wish Harry and Meghan the best of luck with their new life. Sometimes parents have to do what is best for their children and themselves—and sometimes that means moving on.