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It’s barely been a month since Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, announced their shocking decision to leave the fold of the royal family. After two years of trying to find their footing in the restrictive confines of royal life amid the racism that was constantly hurled toward Markle — the duo decided they could no longer continue.

On Jan.8, 2020 — the pair announced they would be stepping down as senior members of the royal family to carve out progressive new roles for themselves. Though they’d hoped to represent the queen part-time, things didn’t quite work out as planned. Instead, the pair will be financially independent private citizens.

Though this is not exactly what they had hoped, for the Sussexes are reportedly relieved, and ultimately Prince Harry felt like he had no choice. “The decision that I have made for my wife and I to step back is not one I made lightly,” he said in a speech during a reception for his charity, Sentebale. “It was so many months of talks after so many years of challenges. And I know I haven’t always got it right, but as far as this goes, there really was no other option.”

Since then, the Sussexes have been hiding out on Vancouver Island. This is what they’ve been up to.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are making plans for their future

Though they’ve isolated themselves for the now — the Sussexes are actively creating a plan to become financially independent. “Meghan is actively looking for representation. She has begun outreach,” a source tells Us Weekly. “It can be a manager or an agent, but she’s reaching out to people to find someone to represent her for future professional projects.  “[Meghan] has no plans to do another show like Suits, but Harry’s been encouraging her to do more voice-over work, writing, producing and directing in her free time,”

It looks like the duo is also trying to decide if it would be logistically possible for them to spend the summer in Los Angeles. Not only would this put them closer to Markle’s mother, Doria Ragland, it would also provide them with a chance to take major meetings.

Vancouver Island is very quiet and private

Though the paparazzi have snapped a few photos of the Sussexes, they’ve mostly been able to keep to themselves. The locals on Vancouver Island respect them and vice-versa. Prior to Megxit and during their Christmas vacation, the pair were able to be out and about on the island without anyone disturbing them.

“Horth Hill’s become a very popular place now. And they jog around, so they’ve been seen,” Deep Cove Chalet co-owner Bev Koffel said. “It’s kind of exciting. I hope everything goes fine for them. They’re breaking away from tradition and I just wish them all the best.”

It looks like this is the perfect place for the Sussexes after a whirlwind two years. “Meghan is so happy,” an insider explained to US Weekly, “She doesn’t come from millions. She’s worked hard to get to where she is today. Meghan loves the idea of being the breadwinner. She has no plans to do another show like Suits, but Harry’s been encouraging her to do more voice-over work, writing, producing and directing in her free time.” As for Prince Harry, “He’s really excited about the next chapter in their lives.”

Inside Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s daily routine in Canada

Since they are no longer on a rigorous working royal schedule, the Sussexes have become homebodies. “They both love to be outside and have been loving it there,” a source revealed to People. “When they’re not doing yoga or eating in, Harry will pick up sandwiches at a local spot, and Meghan walks her beloved rescue beagle Guy and the couple’s adopted Labrador. They go for long walks, they do yoga, and Meghan cooks. They are real homebodies who love to chill out with Archie and the dogs.”

Still, they will be launching a new charitable entity soon. The pair are already in the process of trademarking, Sussex Royal. “These plans take a lot of time, and staff are putting in the legwork to prepare it properly and make sure it delivers on the expectations and the couple’s ambitions,” the insider continued. “It’s full throttle for them right now. They have a lot happening in 2020, and it will be really exciting to see.”

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