Queen warning: Monarchy 'looking over it's shoulder' after Meghan Markle and Harry's exit
QUEEN ELIZABETH II and the Royal Family are "looking over their shoulder" as Meghan Markle and Prince Harry gain increasing freedom from the Crown, according to a royal commentator.
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The Royal Family has no way to control what Meghan and Prince Harry will do in the future as the couple are now financially independent from the Sovereignty Grant and no longer full-time working royals, a royal expert has noted. However, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's actions continue to reflect on the Queen and the Crown despite their newfound freedom - which could be a source of concern within the palace, the commentator added.
Royal expert Victoria Murphy wrote on Town & Country magazine: "You could say it is the monarchy who is left looking over its shoulder.
"Family members will be hoping that Harry and Meghan stick to the pledge that they made to 'continue to uphold the values of Her Majesty' in 'everything they do'.
"Because, while they have no way of controlling the Sussexes, the actions of this couple will inevitably still reflect on the institution.
"Harry and Meghan may no longer have to engage with or answer to their critics.
"But the monarchy does not have the same freedom."
Meghan and Harry have already pledged to respect the Crown and the Queen with their new ventures.
A statement issued by Buckingham Palace in mid-January, following the summit in Sandringham between the Duke of Sussex, the Duke of Cambridge, Prince Charles, the Queen and their aides, read: "With The Queen’s blessing, the Sussexes will continue to maintain their private patronages and associations.
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"While they can no longer formally represent The Queen, the Sussexes have made clear that everything they do will continue to uphold the values of Her Majesty."
Some royal watchers had initially suggested Meghan and Harry could struggle financially and with their charitable ventures as they relinquished some of their ties with the Royal Family.
However, Ms Murphy wrote, recent developments, including their multi-million deal with Netflix, are suggesting otherwise.
Ms Murphy continued: "There are those who have suggested that Harry and Meghan have struggled since leaving behind royal life or that Harry has questioned their decision to break free.
"But nothing about the production deal they have just signed or their decision to pay back this lump sum suggests they are looking back."
Earlier this week, Meghan and Prince Harry issued a statement to announce the Duke and repaid in full the £2.4million spent to renovate Frogmore Cottage.
The brief statement read: "A contribution has been made to the Sovereign Grant by the Duke of Sussex.
"This contribution as originally offered by Prince Harry has fully covered the necessary renovation costs of Frogmore Cottage, a property of Her Majesty The Queen, and will remain the UK residence of the Duke and his family."
Last week, the pair also revealed they had struck a deal with streaming platform Netflix.
Similarly to Michelle and Barack Obama, Meghan and Harry will create content, including documentaries and children's programmes, exclusively for Netflix through their new production company.
Meghan and Harry said: "Our focus will be on creating content that informs but also gives hope.
"As new parents, making inspirational family programming is also important to us."
Both the Sussexes and the streaming platforms have kept details of this new deal secret.
But experts believe the pair may have racked up as much as £75 million with this deal alone, to which bonuses could be added along the way.