Meghan Markle and Prince Harry shocked the world last week when they revealed they were to step back from their roles as senior members of the royal family, and just days later, the wheels already appear to be in motion as they make their next big move.
On Wednesday, January 8, the couple made the big announcement that they would be stepping back as senior members of the royal family, with the intention of becoming “financially independent”.
“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,” the couple confirmed at the time.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry intend to step back as senior members of the royal family.
(Getty)While the statement took many by surprise, including the royal family themselves, it turns out there was a telling clue that hinted the announcement was coming all along.
Indeed, Meghan Markle has long been known to be a big fan of her furry four-legged friends, even going so far as to bring her beagle Guy with her to the UK when she married Prince Harry.
Her other dog, Bogart, who resided with her in Canada, was unfortunately too old to travel across the pond with the Duchess – so he stayed back.
Here’s where things get interesting – as Harry and Meghan made their shock statement in January, they had just come back from a break in Canada, where they spent Christmas with Meghan’s mum Doria and their son Archie.
While they were there, the couple were reportedly spotted taking a hike with Meghan’s close friend and former Suits co-star Abigail Spencer.
And joining them was none other than our furry pal Guy.
Yep, while it seemed innocent at the time, it does seem a tad strange to bring your dog on a six-week vacation across the pond.
The royal is hugely fond of her dogs, Guy and Bogart.
(Instagram)With this in mind, it certainly appears as though the royal couple have already started setting up their new base in Canada.
The Daily Mail also reported that bringing Guy back to Canada wouldn’t have been a decision made lightly.
“Both the Duke and Duchess adore their dogs and Guy has already been relocated from Canada to London once when Meghan moved over,” a source told the publication.
“She wouldn’t have considered a move again for him if it wasn’t going to be at least semi-permanent.”
To add even more intrigue, PEOPLE earlier reported that poor Guy had suffered an injury shortly after he arrived in the UK, which resulted in two broken legs.
Given this, you’d have to wonder why Meghan would go to so much effort to bring him all the way back to Canada unless it’s for good.
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On Monday, January 13, Meghan and Harry’s future as royal family members will be determined in an historic meeting held at Sandringham.
The meeting will include the Queen, Prince Charles, Prince William and Harry and Meghan.
The Duchess of Sussex is understood to have flown back to Canada already where she is currently staying with baby Archie, however she will likely dial into the meeting via a video call.
Meghan and Harry have clearly taken a liking to Canada.
(Getty)Prince Harry is expected to join Meghan back in Canada eventually, however he will likely have a few loose ends to tie up in the UK before he does so.
And while the meeting at Sandringham will undoubtedly be a tricky one to manoeuvre as the royals flesh out the logistics of Meghan and Harry’s intentions to step back, it seems the pair are already well prepared.
No doubt they will already feel at home in the North American country – when it was revealed they were holidaying there over Christmas, Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau himself Tweeted: “Prince Harry, Meghan, and Archie, we’re all wishing you a quiet and blessed stay in Canada. You’re among friends, and always welcome here.”
