Britain’s Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the duke and duchess of Sussex, made an announcement on January 8. “We intend to step back as ‘senior’ members” of the royal family, they wrote on their official Instagram page.
The couple said they plan to support themselves financially. They will lead lives separate from the royal family, splitting their time between the United Kingdom and North America.
Many people were surprised by the announcement. No member of the British royal family has ever “stepped back” in this way. A royal’s job is to support charities
charity
JGI/JAMIE GRILL—GETTY IMAGES
a gift for those in need; the act of giving to someone in need; a group that gives to those in need
(noun)
Joseph donated his old clothes to charity.
and do other work that benefits the public. The duke and duchess said they will continue to “honor our duty” to Britain. But they plan to focus on their own charity. They also want privacy as they raise their son, Archie. Both say British newspapers have printed unfair stories about them.
On January 13, Queen Elizabeth issued
issue
JASON PERSOFF— GETTY IMAGES
to release or put forth
(verb)
The government issued a tornado warning.
a statement. The royal family is “entirely supportive of Harry and Meghan’s desire to create a new life as a young family,” she said. “We respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life.”
Stop and Think! Why does the press report on public figures, such as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle? What might lead a public figure to say that a story is unfair?
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