Get our daily royal round-up direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will spend more time in North America as part of their decision to step back from the royal family, they have revealed.

The couple said they intend to become financially independent and split their time between the UK and North America.

The pair described living on both sides of the Atlantic as a 'geographic balance' which would enable them to raise their son Archie with an appreciation of royal tradition, while also providing them with 'space'.

In their statement, the couple said: "We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth and our patronages.

"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."

(Image: UK Press via Getty Images)

Sources told TMZ that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are moving to Canada, where the couple recently spent time during their six-week break from royal duties.

Harry and Meghan's full statement reads: "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.

(Image: PA)

"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 honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages.

(Image: PA)

"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.

"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.”