Whoo, just when you thought the British monarchy’s tea was hot enough! The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made waves on Wednesday with their “we’re stepping back” statement, officially putting us all on notice that they are no longer with the royal shits. But as the Los Angeles Times and the BBC report, the Sussexes apparently made that move without first discussing or clearing it with the monarchy; meaning their announcement was “not an official one affiliated with Queen Elizabeth II or the royal family,” as a palace spokesman told the Times.
“[N]o other royal—including the Queen or Prince William—was consulted before the statement and Buckingham Palace is “disappointed,” writes the BBC. “Senior royals are understood to be ‘hurt’ by the announcement.”
Crikey.
Seemingly unprepared for the announcement, Buckingham Palace quickly scraped together its own statement, which basically says not so fast, Megharry, because...“it’s complicated.”
“Discussions with The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are at an early stage,” read the statement. “We understand their desire to take a different approach, but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through.”
Yeah, that’s definitely complicated, y’all. And you know what else isn’t a great look? Harry and Meghan instantly being removed from the waxen royal tableau at Madame Tussauds.
“Alongside the rest of the world we are reacting to the surprising news that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be stepping back as senior Royals,” Steve Davies, General Manager at Madame Tussauds London, said in a statement obtained by CNN. “From today, Meghan and Harry’s figures will no longer appear in our Royal Family set. As two of our most popular and well-loved figures, they will, of course, remain an important feature at Madame Tussauds London as we watch to see what the next chapter holds for them.” Davies added, giving no indication Buckingham Palace was in any way involved in the decision.
So, while #Megexit was trending yesterday (Sidebar: Shouldn’t it really be spelled #Megxit or #Meghxit—or, better yet, #Sussexit, since this was a family decision?). In theory, the Sussexes’ “step back” from the British monarchy may be in the best interest of the family they’re building, but in practice, it’s increasingly sounding like leaving the mafia.