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Though Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision to resign as senior members of the British Royal Family seemed sudden and abrupt to us, it’s been a long time coming for the Sussexes. There has been tension between the duo, the royal family, and the British press since their May 2018 wedding, and it’s only gotten worse.

Markle, in particular, has been the subject of harassment and bullying from the press and public who have hurled nasty racist and sexist remarks at her. Things have gotten so horrible that the couple is now suing several publications. Likewise, the feud between Prince Harry and his older brother, Prince William has only widened.

The couple has decided that it’s best for them to step away and become financially independent. Markle came into the family with many famous friends, but is Oprah Winfrey one of the people advised the duke and duchess to exit the royal family?

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have been planning their resignation for a long time

Just three days after returning to the U.K. from their six-week hiatus in Canada — the Sussexes dropped a bomb on the globe and the royal family. Without giving anyone a heads up (including the queen) the pair announced they were no longer going to be senior members of the royal family.

They said in part, “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.”

Now, royal fans are examining their Sussex Royal trademark filing in the spring of 2019 and their ITV documentary, Harry and Markle: An African Journey as evidence that they’ve been planning tier exit for quite some time.

The royal family is scrambling to help the Sussexes find a way out

Shortly after making their explosive announcement, Markle flew back to Canada to be with her son, Archie. Prince Harry stayed behind in the U.K. in crisis mode with Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles, and Prince William. The royals– though initially blindsided, are looking for solutions to this issue and hope to get it resolved promptly.

Harry’s friend Tom Bradby spoke to ITV News about how we got here. “My impression is they’re pretty philosophical about it,” he said. “[It’s] ‘We are making a break for independence and freedom here. You wanted a slimmed-down monarchy. There’s no place for us in it. We need to learn to live on our own. We want to get on and do that.’”

Oprah Winfrey did not advise Meghan Markle and Prince Harry to step down

Though she is working with the prince on a mental health series for Apple + and she has become close to Markle in recent years –speaking up for her amid the horrid tabloids. Oprah has not advised the Sussexes about their next chapter.

On Jan. 9. Page Six published a source who said, “Oprah was the first person to talk to Harry and Meghan about breaking free and doing their own thing, building on their own brand. She made them realize it was really possible.”

The icon refuted that reported. Oprah told People, “Meghan and Harry do not need my help figuring out what’s best for them. I care about them both and support whatever decisions they make for their family.”

Welp, there you have it.

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