Natural Born Leaders! How Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Are Modernizing the Royal Family

Since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle got married in May 2018, they have been modernizing the royal family in so many ways. Whether it’s the Duchess of Sussex’s clothes to her husband’s wedding band, the royal couple have learned to do things their own way without caring too much about public opinion.

In January, Harry and Meghan showed the world just how much they’re done following royal tradition when they released a statement about their plans for the future.

“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,” they announced via Instagram.

“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 honor our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages,” the statement continued. “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.”

The Sussexes concluded their long caption by writing, “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.”

After announcing they were going to “step back” from their royal duties and split their time between the U.K. and Canada, Queen Elizabeth gave the young couple her blessing.

“Today my family had very constructive discussions on the future of my grandson and his family,” the 93-year-old monarch said in a statement on Monday, January 13. “My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghan’s desire to create a new life as a young family. Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time working Members of the Royal Family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family.”

Scroll below to see a few ways Harry and Meghan have modernized the royal family!