7 Royals who quit the Royal Family and their reasons why
From Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to King Edward VIII
Royal fans across the world were surprised to say the least when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their plans to step down from the Royal Family in 2020. But, they weren't the first Royals to do so.
In fact, in recent years (and by recent, we mean the last century), five other Royals have quit the Royal Family in one way or another.
From the famous abdication of King Edward VIII to the circumstances surrounding Zara Tindall's lack of Royal titles, here's all the Royals who quit the Royal Family, and their reasons why.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
When did they quit? 8 January 2020
Why did they quit? The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced via Instagram at the start of 2020 that they intended to step down as Senior Royals.
In the post, the couple said: "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. 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."
King Edward VIII
When did he quit? 11 December 1936
Why did he quit? Perhaps the most famous Royal to ever quit 'The Firm', King Edward abdicated the throne after less than a year to marry American socialite, Wallis Simpson.
Due to her being twice-divorced, King Edward was not permitted to marry Wallis, as per Royal protocol at the time. Rather than break up, he chose to abdicate the throne to marry her and they remained together until his death in 1972.
Prince Philip
When did he quit? 1947
Why did he quit? In order to marry the then-Princess Elizabeth, (who as we know became the Queen of England), Prince Philip had to renounce his Danish and Greek royal titles. By doing so, he became a naturalised British subject and took on his maternal grandparents' last name, Mountbatten.
Zara Tindall and Peter Phillips
Did they quit? Technically, Zara Tindall (and her brother Peter Phillips) didn't quite quit the Royal Family, but they don't have the titles that could have been afforded to them. That's because their parents, Princess Anne (the Queen's daughter) and her husband Mark Phillips, declined Royal titles when they were born so that they could have somewhat of a 'normal' life.
Speaking about her parents' decision, Zara told People she felt 'lucky' not to have a Royal title as it meant she had more freedom than her cousins, Prince William and Prince Harry.
Prince Michael of Kent
When did he quit? 30 June 1978
Why did he quit? The Queen's cousin, Prince Michael, forfeit his place in the line of succession to marry Baroness Marie Christine von Reibnitz, as per the 1701 Act of Settlement.
But when the Succession to the Crown Act passed, his place was reinstated in 2015 along with his children, who now also feature in the line of succession.
Jade Biggs (she/her) is Cosmopolitan UK's Features Writer, covering everything from breaking news and latest royal gossip, to the health and fitness trends taking over your TikTok feed. She also works on first-person features and investigative long-reads, taking a deep-dive into mental health, celebrity culture and women's rights. Jade has been a journalist and content writer for ten years, and has interviewed leading researchers and doctors, high-profile influencers and fitness experts. She is a cat mum to four fur babies and is obsessed with Drag Race, bottomless brunches and wearing clothes only suitable for Bratz dolls. Follow her on Instagram or Twitter.
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