Meghan Markle backed by Hollywood star over decision to quit Royal Family
MEGHAN MARKLE has been backed by The Queen star Dame Helen Mirren over her and Prince Harry's decision to quit royal duties.
Helen Mirren: Meghan Markle should carry on acting
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are leaving the monarchy behind for a new life in North America. And Dame Helen, 74, has said she “hugely applauds” Meghan and Harry’s decision to stand down as working royals.
The actress, who won an Oscar for her 2006 role as the Queen, told Variety: “I think their instincts are absolutely right, and I applaud them for it - hugely, actually.
“Of course, it is complicated. Meghan Markle was a fantastic addition to the royal family - charming, did everything right, was gracious, was sweet-natured, and seemed to be, wow, qhat a lovely addition. Didn’t seem to be neurotic.
“So, I think it is a loss in a way, but at the same time I think their instincts are absolutely correct.”
Dame Helen is the latest celebrity to publicly back the American former actress.
It comes as Meghan and Harry officially end royal duties on March 31.
The Sussexes plunged the monarchy into crisis last month with their bombshell statement revealing plans to step back as senior royals.
The announcement sparked emergency royal talks to sort out their future roles.
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After completing their last round of official engagements, Meghan and Harry will stop representing the Queen and become financially independent.
They are paying back the £2.4million of taxpayers’ money spent renovating their Frogmore Cottage home and they will drop their HRH titles.
Meghan and Harry have also been forced to abandon their Sussex Royal brand.
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In a widely-criticised statement on their website, which will have to be rebranded, they conceded that the word “royal” could not be used amid their decision to leave the monarchy.
Harry stepped out in Edinburgh yesterday at a summit for his sustainable travel initiative Travalyst.
During the engagement, he asked to be introduced as Harry rather than the Duke of Sussex.
On Friday, he is teaming up with Jon Bon Jovi for an Invictus Games event.
Meghan and Harry will also make an appearance at the Endeavour Fund Awards, which recognises wounded, injured and sick service personnel, on March 5.
The following day Harry will join Formula One’s Lewis Hamilton at the official opening of the Silverstone Experience, a museum about British motor racing.
On March 7 the couple will step out for the Mountbatten Music Festival at the Royal Albert Hall.
And Meghan will mark International Women’s Day on March 8.
Their last official royal appearance is expected to be the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey on March 9.
The Sussexes have already started making the most of their new-found independence.
Earlier this month they attended a JP Morgan-sponsored alternative investment summit in Florida.
Harry gave a speech at the exclusive event in Miami, with speculation rife that he pocketed hundreds of thousands of pounds as a fee.