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During a press conference on Thursday at the Marino Institute of Education in North Dublin, the Taoiseach was asked about his thoughts on the recent royal turmoil. Mr Varadkar replied: “I have met them (Harry and Meghan) and they’re a lovely couple, I really enjoyed meeting them. They’re very down to earth.

“But I can totally understand given each of their different life experiences why they would like more privacy and why they would like to raise their family in their way. “So I think any normal person would understand why they’ve made the decision that they’ve made. “I wish them the very best.” The Royal Family is still reeling from Harry and Meghan’s shock announcement on Wednesday to step back from their royal duties.

EU news: Leo Varadkar

EU news: Harry and Meghan

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex revealed their decision by posting a statement to their Instagram account and their new website. Harry and Meghan said that they intended to work towards becoming “financially independent” in new “progressive” roles, while also “continuing to honour our duty to the Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages”. Other royal members were given almost no advance warning of the move, leaving Buckingham Palace blindsided. Reports suggest that the royal couple emailed a copy of their statement to both Charles and Prince William around ten minutes before they posted it to Instagram. JUST IN: BBC Question Time panel in heartbreaking plea amid Meghan crisis

EU news: Prince Charles

EU news: Harry and Meghan at Canada House

EU news: Harry, Meghan, Kate and William

Having sent a draft proposal to Charles, the Duke of Sussex was then advised that more time was required to think through various complexities, such as funding. Although the Prince of Wales is reported to be disappointed about the way in which the news came out, he is also said to be keen on finding a solution to the crisis as quickly as possible. As a result, royal aides have been instructed to work with the UK and Canadian governments to help carve out new roles for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex within “days not weeks”.

EU news: Royal family Tree

Harry and Meghan’s decision has been strongly criticised by commentators. Royal author Penny Junor saw parallels with Diana’s decision to withdraw from 50 of her charities without consulting anybody. She said: “The problem is that they are not working for themselves, they are working for a family firm, and to be making announcements of this sort without consulting is beyond bizarre.”

EU news: Queen Elizabeth and Meghan Markle

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