Meghan and Harry Didn't Take Archie to the U.K. With Them This Week

Meghan's BFF Jessica Mulroney is taking care of Archie in Canada.

By Bianca Betancourt

Jan 9, 2020

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex Visit South Africa

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Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan's son, Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, did not accompany the couple to London this week.
Archie is reported to still be in Canada with Meghan's close friend Jessica Mulroney and a nanny. Meghan is expected to return to Victoria, Canada, this evening.

While Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan flew to London for their first return back to royal engagements—and also break the news that they have decided as a couple to step down from being active senior members of the royal family—their eight-month-old son, Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, has remained in Canada.

Omid Scobie reports for BAZAAR.com that while the Sussexes spent time in England this week, Archie remained under the careful watch of Meghan’s close friend Jessica Mulroney and a nanny. Meghan is expected to return to their son in Victoria, Canada, this evening with Harry to soon follow.

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“After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution. We intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen. It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment. 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. This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity. We look forward to sharing the full details of this exciting next step in due course, as we continue to collaborate with Her Majesty The Queen, The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge and all relevant parties. Until then, please accept our deepest thanks for your continued support.” - The Duke and Duchess of Sussex For more information, please visit sussexroyal.com (link in bio) Image © PA

A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal) on Jan 8, 2020 at 10:33am PST

Mulroney, whose three children were a part of Meghan and Harry’s wedding day in 2018, posted an encouraging Instagram hours after the news of the Sussexes’ stepping down started making headlines, according to People.

The upcoming days are sure to be a challenge for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The queen has reportedly ordered a meeting between herself, Prince Charles, Prince William, and their respective offices, aiming to find a “workable solution” to Meghan and Harry’s desire to alter their roles as soon as possible.

Though the duke and duchess both acknowledge that their decision is a difficult one, a friend close to the couple tells BAZAAR.com they are “feeling confident” regarding their plans to alter their roles within the monarchy.

“Harry and Meghan are aware that they’ll be criticized, perhaps even vilified, for taking control of their lives,” continues the friend. “But creating a positive future for themselves and their family has always been their priority.”

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