There are a lot of things happening in the world right now with the COVID-19 outbreak all but consuming the minds and news feeds of people across the world.
But it’s important to remember that life does go on in spite of it all – and Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan’s latest move is case in point.
Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan will commence their transitional life outside of the royal family as of March 31.
(Getty)Last week, it was revealed the pair have now relocated from their residence on Vancouver Island, Canada to the US – Meghan’s homeland of California to be exact.
If you cast your minds back to those pre-COVID days this year, you’ll remember that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex sensationally announced their departure from the royal family on January 9, thus sparking an historic new arrangement set out by the Queen whereby the pair would transition into a financially independent life as of March 31.
While things were a little chaotic as the Coronavirus crisis changed life as we know it in recent weeks, it looks like the pair remain full steam ahead with their plans outside of senior royal life – and they’re not letting anyone stand in their way.
The Duke and Duchess have a myriad of plans in the works for their new life.
(Getty)Of course, Harry and Meghan’s subtle move to the US last week did not go unnoticed – the news swept across newspapers and tabloids while many speculated what projects the pair would be working on there.
The consensus was mostly positive – Meghan reigns from Los Angeles, and has every right and understandable reason to return home with her husband and 10-month old son Archie.
Her mother, Doria Ragland also lives in LA – so it doesn’t come as a surprise that the new parents were keen to be near family, especially during such an unsettling time for the world.
But there was one particular person who didn’t seem to approve of the pair’s big move – Donald Trump.
Predictably, Donald Trump has some thoughts about Meghan and Harry moving to California.
(Getty)In predictable form, the US president took to his Twitter account to share his thoughts.
“I am a great friend and admirer of the Queen & the United Kingdom,” the president began.
“It was reported that Harry and Meghan, who left the Kingdom, would reside permanently in Canada. Now they have left Canada for the U.S. however, he U.S. will not pay for their security protection. [sic] They must pay!”
While the Tweet itself went viral almost instantly for obvious reasons, it seems Harry and Meghan knew exactly how to respond – and they didn’t leave anything hanging.
Royal reporter Omid Scobie shared an official statement from a Sussex spokesperson issued shortly after Trump’s claim, writing: “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have no plans to ask the U.S. government for security resources.”
The spokesperson reiterated: “Privately funded security arrangements have been made.”
Well, we guess that settles that!
As of tomorrow, the Sussexes will formally begin their 12-month transition phase into a financially independent life, after stepping back from their roles as senior royal family members.
As stipulated by the Queen, the arrangement will be under review for the year ending March 31, 2021 – and it will be decided after that date as to whether the plans will remain permanent after ensuring the new set-up works for everyone.
