The world still quakes from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's shocking decision to "step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family." Meghan and Harry explained that while they will always support Queen Elizabeth and royal endeavors, going forward they'll split their time between the UK and North America. Their intention is to carve out a quieter life for their family unit. Although this news has sparked some outrage, Meghan and Harry are hardly the first royals to step down from traditional duties. Scroll through for a look at 7 other royals from Britain to the Netherlands who have left behind their official duties in recent years!
Just last year, Prince Harry's uncle the Duke of York announced that he was withdrawing from public duties "for the foreseeable future" following a controversial appearance on BBC's Newsnight. Andrew's attempt to explain his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein backfired and he was heavily criticized for showing a lack of empathy towards Epstein's victims and remorse over his friendship with the disgraced financier. The Duke has only been seen in public a handful of times since the interview. The majority of his patronages have accepted his resignation while others have simply distanced themselves.
Meanwhile, across the world that same year, Emperor Akihito became the first leader to abdicate the throne in Japan in 200 years. His eldest son Naruhito stepped in as the new leader. After 30 years of the serivce, the 85-year-old thought it best to step down due to ailing health. He feared he wouldn’t be in top shape to to fulfil his duty as a symbolic leader.
A long history of abdication runs through the Dutch royal family, with the last three generations giving up the throne for their kids. The latest is Princess Beatrix, who was Queen for 33 years from 1980 to 2013. She succeeded to her eldest son Willem-Alexander, who still reigns to this day. Announcing her decision on national television, she said it was time to ‘place the responsibility for the country in the hands of a new generation.’
Andrew's ex-wife the Duchess of York was reportedly frozen out of the royal family when their marriage broke down. However, Sarah Ferguson is still regularly spotted at family functions with daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. For one thing, she attended the wedding of Harry and Meghan in 2018!
Juan Carlos never expected to be king since he was born after the abolition of the monarchy in exile. General Franco chose him as his successor as head of state and he began ruling in 1975. In 2014, Queen Sofía’s husband abdicated in favor of his son, now-King Felipe, citing personal reasons.
In 1993, Harry's mom Diana, Princess of Wales told the public that she was reducing her official engagements to live a more private life. This came just one year after she and Charles announced they were separating amicably. Following their divorce in August 1996, Diana resigned from 93 charities, but maintained her associations with six including: Centrepoint, the National Aids Trust and Great Ormond Street Hospital for children. Diana was also stripped of her 'Her Royal Highness' title after the divorce.
Perhaps the most famous abdication - any The Crown fans out there? - was Harry's great-great-uncle, Edward VIII. The former King left his honor behind for love in December 1936, marrying American divorcee Wallis Simpson. The royal met the socialite when she was still married to her second husband Ernest in 1931 and they soon began an affair. Neither the royal court, the government or the church would accept a twice-divorced American as queen. Edward pushed for a morganatic marriage where his wife would have no claim on his rights, but the government would not accept this and the king decided to abdicate, leaving his brother the Duke of York – Queen Elizabeth’s father - to take over as George VI.
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