Last week, the royals formally known as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle broke the British Internet after announcing that they would be taking a step back from their duties at Buckingham Palace to live a more peaceful, private life and we ain't mad at 'em.
The couple, who initially met in July of 2016, has been under a helluva a lot of scrutiny since their relationship began, even more so after jumping the broom two years later. From salacious headlines to egregious violations of privacy, Meghan has made it clear that her ascension to British royalty has taken a toll on her mental health and our boy Harry finally said enough is enough.
Effective spring of this year, Harry and Meghan will no longer use their HRH titles and have been relieved of their responsibilities as working members of the royal family. In other words, when it comes to matters at Buckingham Palace, Harry and Meghan's name ain't Bennett and they ain't innit. On Saturday, Queen Elizabeth II issued a statement that showed her support for the couple's new chapter in life and emphasized that Harry and Meghan will remain beloved members of the royal family:
"Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much-loved members of my family. I recognize the challenges they have experienced as a result of intense scrutiny over the last two years and support their wish for a more independent life. I want to thank them for all their dedicated work across this country, the Commonwealth and beyond, and am particularly proud of how Meghan has so quickly become one of the family. It is my whole family's hope that today's agreement allows them to start building a happy and peaceful new life."
In his first address since what the Internet has deemed "Megxit", the Duke of Sussex opened up about his controversial decision and says that he and his wife had "no other option" but to step back from the spotlight. He explained that after the death of his mother, Princess Diana, he refuses to let the "powerful force" that is the media threaten his family any longer:
"When I lost my mum 20 years ago, you took me under your wing, you looked out for me for so long. But the media is a powerful force, and my hope is one day our collective support for each other can be more powerful because this is so much bigger than just us."
While this couple may have decided to take a step back from their life as royals, here are 4 reasons why Meghan will always be a queen in our eyes.
1.Sis Is Fly AF
Meghan Markle is one of the most iconic style icons Buckingham Palace has ever seen.
I said what I said. Don't @ me.
Despite the extensive rules and regulations imposed on her wardrobe after becoming a member of the Royal Family, Meghan's outfits never fail to come through with all the style and grace Biggie talked about.
2.Sis Is Real AF
Last year, Meghan gave a us a potent reminder to check on our strong friends after a heartbreaking interview that revealed that she was not OK. As a new wife and mother, Meghan has been transparent about the fact that she has to check-in with her mental health just as much as the rest of us.
3.Sis Is Forever Giving Back
A true queen gives back––that's why you can always catch Meghan on a mission. From her work with women and children in South Africa to her recent trip to Vancouver to help with climate change, Meghan is forever giving back.
4.Sis Held Her Own
Giving up isn't always a sign of weakness and Meghan Markle is a proof of this fact. The media has been at the now-38-year-old mother-of-one's neck for nearly three years and no one deserves that kind of abuse. Despite her decision to step back from the spotlight, Meg has made it very clear that her mama didn't raise no punk.
Featured image by Samir Hussein/WireImage