break" from their royal duties around the holidays, no one had any idea just how extended

that break might prove to be.

A recent announcement by the royal couple on Instagram may well be the most shocking

news since Harry's Great-granduncle Edward VIII abdicated the throne to marry American

divorcee Wallis Simpson: Prince Harry and his bride will "step back as 'senior members'

of the royal family."

"Good heavens…"

It's been no secret that Meghan Markle, herself a divorcee and a Yank, has had her difficulties

fitting in with the sometimes stuffy British royals.

Still, no one expected a move of such magnitude that it has now earned its own name in the

British press: Megxit.

The rift among the royals, perhaps most prominently, tension between Princes William and Harry,

began even before Harry's engagement, when his big brother cautioned him not to move

so fast with Meghan.

While their son Archie, now 8 months old, was welcomed into the royal family with all

due pomp and circumstance, Meghan later told ITV journalist Tom Bradby that giving birth

under the glaring spotlight cast by royal-watchers everywhere was, quote, "really challenging,"

especially when, quote, "add[ed] on top of just trying to be a new mom or trying to be

a newlywed."

In light of her postpartum stress and tension, Meghan, along with Harry, decided to spend

baby Archie's first Christmas away from the hubbub of Sandringham Palace.

Instead, the threesome opted for "private family time" at a mansion on Vancouver Island

in Canada.

While Meghan described the holiday as, quote, "an incredible time," the fact remains that

this getaway was likely prompted by the growing rift between Harry and his brother.

As Harry told a TV interviewer last fall, they are, quote, "on different paths."

An official spokesperson for Buckingham Palace has released a statement characterizing Prince

Harry's plans as being still "at an early stage."

They clarified:

"We understand their desire to take a different approach, but these are complicated issues

that will take time to work through.”

While the queen herself has not spoken publicly regarding this announcement, the British tabloid

press is claiming she's "sad" while Prince Charles is "furious."

The scandal-mongering Sun goes so far as to suggest civil war looms on the horizon.

It's worth noting that the statement released on the Sussex Royal Instagram account does

promise that Prince Harry and Meghan will continue, quote, "to fully support Her Majesty

The Queen" and continue, quote, "to honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and

our patronages."

That's something, right?

While nobody else seems to be rushing to take up arms in a literal sense in defense of the

crown, British journalist and author Sarah Gristwood told The Independent it was a very

bad sign, indeed, that neither Harry nor Meghan had consulted with the queen before broadcasting

their plans on Instagram.

She characterized their failure to give a heads-up as, quote, "a major breach of protocol."

Royal commentator Sally Baker agrees.

She went so far as to say:

"It looks like the royal family is in trouble."

And that might be true, but since when is that not the case?

The royal family's been better than a soap opera since the days of King Arthur.

The couple's statement also spoke of Harry and Meghan's desire to "establish financial

independence," and to found a new charitable entity.

Although the Instagram post didn't provide further details about this venture, Town and

Country reported last week that the planned foundation, called Sussex Royal, has been

in the works since last year.

Its focus, according to Meghan, will be on, quote, "really strong, community-based projects."

Perhaps the biggest break with tradition is the wannabe-slightly-less-royal couple's plans

to base their family, at least part of the time, away from Shakespeare's sceptered isle.

Although, they didn't supply a location more specific than "North America."

Their statement reads, in part:

"This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the

royal tradition into which he was born."

Of course, if they're wanting to balance out the British royal tradition with an All-American

one, maybe even in Meghan's hometown of Los Angeles, Bravo host Andy Cohen has issued,

via Instagram comment, a, quote, "open invite for The Duchess to join #RHOBH !!!" Now that

would be must-see TV on both sides of the pond.

"NEVER go near my husband."

"F--- you!"

"Do you understand that?

Never go after my f---ing husband!"

Wherever their next destination may be, we wish the duke and duchess all the luck and

happiness in their life outside of the royal fishbowl.

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