Meghan Markle and Prince Harry will officially exit the Royal Family on March 31 this year, as they fight for more privacy and independence. The couple has set up a new life split between the UK and North America, where they currently reside with their young son.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex famously split rank with the Royal Family late last year, due to increased media attention and a desire to build independent careers.

The decision came not long after the birth of their first child, Archie Harrison Mountbatten Windsor, in May.

In Canada, their son would be out of the spotlight, and more free to pursue the “normal” life Harry and Meghan hoped he could attain.

The couple’s spring statement, which outlined what they plan to do during the “transition” following March 31, also revealed some of their plans for the royal tot.

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They revealed they have safety concerns which extend to their son, which requires “effective security”.

The statement said: “It is agreed that The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will continue to require effective security to protect them and their son.

“This is based on The Duke’s public profile by virtue of being born into the Royal Family, his military service, the Duchess’ own independent profile, and the shared threat and risk level documented specifically over the last few years.”

They shared little else on forthcoming arrangements due to the “classified” nature.

While Meghan and Harry have Archie’s best interests in mind with their move out of the Royal Family, experts believe their decision may have a costly effect on the Firm as a whole.

Speaking to Express.co.uk, Zoe Bonser, Show Director at the Baby Show said the decision will have a “huge impact”.

She said: “Meghan and Harry’s decision to leave the UK and live in Canada will have a huge impact on his family, most importantly, Charles and Camilla and of course William and Kate and their children.

“However, it is a very common occurrence for families to live in separate countries these days as people meet and fall in love with partners from the other side of the world or find jobs overseas, or simply want to live in a different country to the one they grew up in.”

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Ms Bonser said Harry and Meghan would need to “prioritise” royal meetings so Archie can develop a relationship with his other family members.

She added: “Everyone has busy lives and the Royal Family have a lot more commitments than most so it’ll be tricky managing everyone’s diaries to create a time for a family reunion that suit.

“However, they need to prioritise so that Archie can form a relationship with his cousins and grandparents in the UK.

“They are in a very unique position and the bond he will have with his cousins needs to be strong to support them through the royal world they are brought up in.”

The decision could also have a knock-on effect for Meghan Markle, who may be unable to attain British citizenship.

The Duchess of Sussex is an American born California native, and only started living in the UK after she met Prince Harry.

To gain British citizenship, she needs to have resided in the UK for five years, a process which is believed to have started with Meghan and Harry’s wedding in 2018.

She would be able to apply for citizenship in 2023, but only if she remains resident in the country.

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