Harry and Meghan’s waxworks removed from Madame Tussauds

LONDON: The waxworks of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been removed from the royal family display at Madame Tussauds London.

The museum’s move follows the royal couple’s announcement that they plan on stepping down as members of the royal family and becoming financially independent.

The display dedicated to the royal family at Madame Tussauds featured the waxworks royal couple standing among those the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

However, the models of the couple have since been relocated to reflect their “progressive new role within the royal institution”.

“Alongside the rest of the world we are reacting to the surprising news that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be stepping back as senior royals,” said Steve Davies, general manager of Madame Tussauds London.

“From today Meghan and Harry’s figures will no longer appear in our royal family set.”

Davies added that the couple will still feature prominently at the waxwork museum.

“As two of our most popular and well-loved figures they will of course remain an important feature at Madame Tussauds London as we watch to see what the next chapter holds for them,” Mr Davies stated.

 

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“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. 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. 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.” – The Duke and Duchess of Sussex For more information, please visit sussexroyal.com (link in bio) Image © PA

A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal) on Jan 8, 2020 at 10:33am PST

Meghan and Prince Harry‘s statement outlined their plan to split their time between the UK and North America while continuing to honour their commitment to the Queen, the Commonwealth and their royal patronages.

Following the release of their announcement, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said discussions with the couple on the issue remained at an early stage.

“We understand their desire to take a different approach, but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through,” they stated.