Fox News Flash top entertainment headlines for Jan. 9
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Decades before Meghan Markle and Prince Harry announced they would be splitting their time between the United Kingdom and North America, the former “Suits” star’s late mother-in-law had reportedly yearned to start a new life in the United States herself -- on the West Coast.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced on Wednesday they will take “a step back” as senior members of the royal family and instead, work independently, splitting their time between the United Kingdom and North America.
Paul Burrell served as a footman to Queen Elizabeth II before he began working for the Princess of Wales in 1987 until her passing.
In October 2019, Burrell told Fox News he suspected that like Princess Diana, the couple would eventually consider leaving the UK altogether to escape the intense British press.
MEGHAN MARKLE, PRINCE HARRY ADDRESS TRAVEL AND SECURITY CONCERNS FOLLOWING HISTORIC ANNOUNCEMENT
Princess Diana's former butler Paul Burrell. (Reuters)
WHAT HAPPENS TO MEGHAN MARKLE, PRINCE HARRY'S FROGMORE COTTAGE AFTER THEY STEP BACK AS SENIOR ROYALS
“Diana was looking for a refuge to take her children,” said Burrell at the time. “She looked at South Africa herself because [her brother] Charles Spencer has an estate in South Africa. So the princess decided to disguise it by going to visit Christiaan Barnard, the heart surgeon. She was also looking for an estate or property, but she couldn’t find one in South Africa, and security was an issue there.”
Burrell alleged Diana was considering moving across the pond.
“She turned her search to America,” he claimed. “Ironically, we had the plans for a house on the west coast of America in Malibu. It used to be owned by Blake Edwards and [his wife] Julie Andrews. We had the plans for that house, and we dedicated the rooms to William and Harry and the princess. Myself and my wife and the children were going to live above the house. So her future was turning towards America."
“And I do believe wholeheartedly that Meghan will want to bring up her children as half American, so they will need a place here,” added Burrell. “It wouldn’t surprise me if they bought a place in the United States.”
HOW MEGHAN MARKLE AND PRINCE HARRY'S FINANCES WILL BE IMPACTED BY ABRUPT ROYAL EXIT
Princess Diana arrives at the Royal Geographical Society in London for a speech on the dangers of landmines throughout the world on June 12, 1997. (Photo by REUTERS/Ian Waldie)
CELEBRITIES REACT TO MEGHAN MARKLE, PRINCE HARRY 'STEPPING BACK' FROM ROYAL DUTIES
Burrell pointed out Markle, a former American actress, has been treated unfairly by the tabloids since becoming a member of the British royal family when she married Harry in May 2018.
“I just feel we should give them space to develop as a young family and as a newlywed couple,” he explained. “She’s only been married to him for a year. She’s a newlywed. She’s a wife, a mother, a royal — all in one year — as well as being embraced by a family who is renowned for not having really much love. They’re not used to expressing their emotions… Do we really want to chase two people down the same path [as Diana]?”
Burrell noted that unlike Prince William, who is second in line to the British royal throne, his younger brother Harry is still trying to carve out his own role within the family. Harry is sixth in line after William’s three children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
“William and [his wife] Kate [Middleton], they have a road map in front of them,” said Burrell. “They know exactly where they’re destined. Meghan and Harry don’t. They’re trying to forge their way forward, and I just feel it’s very unfair, as Meghan said, to have so much vitriolic media pointed in your direction. I think it’s really unfair and I think the media should lay off of them, let them live and give then oxygen to develop a young family. Otherwise, we’ll lose them.”
MEGHAN MARKLE’S FATHER SAYS HE'S 'DISAPPOINTED' FOLLOWING HER, PRINCE HARRY’S EXIT NEWS
Kate Middleton and Prince William pose for a photo with their three children, George (right), Charlotte (middle) and Louis. (AP)
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex said their decision came "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," the couple shared on Instagram Wednesday. “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 honor our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages," they 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 couple added they will continue to work with the reigning monarch, 93, as well as Harry’s father Prince Charles, as well as the 35-year-old’s older brother William.
MEGHAN MARKLE, PRINCE HARRY DIDN'T CONSULT SOME MEMBERS OF ROYAL FAMILY BEFORE ANNOUNCEMENT: SOURCE
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are stepping back from royal duties. (AP)
BUCKINGHAM PALACE RESPONDS TO MEGHAN MARKLE, PRINCE HARRY'S EXIT: 'THESE ARE COMPLICATED ISSUES'
"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."
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