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Queen Elizabeth Reportedly Vetoed Meghan Markle And Prince Harry’s Plans For Royal Independence

They wanted to created a "global Sussex brand"

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry may have had big plans for their “Sussex brand”, but the Queen reportedly isn’t allowing it. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex fought to have their own independent office, according to a Sunday Times report, but Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles vetoed the idea. 

A royal source told the Sunday Times: “They wanted their household to be entirely independent of Buckingham Palace, but were told ‘no.’ There is an institutional structure that doesn’t allow that kind of independence. The feeling is that it’s good to have the Sussexes under the jurisdiction of Buckingham Palace, so they can’t just go off and do their own thing.”

According to the Sunday Times‘ report, their “own thing” would be a global “Sussex brand” of philanthropy and humanitarianism that would allow Meghan to keep working as an activist. 

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Reports that the couple wanted to expand their brand comes just days after the royal family confirmed that Harry and Meghan would be splitting up their household from Will and Kate’s, establishing their new office at Buckingham Palace.

“The Queen has agreed to the creation of a new Household for The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, following their marriage in May last year,” the official release said. “The Household, which will be created with the support of The Queen and The Prince of Wales, will be established in the spring.”

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The change was described as being a “long-planned move” to support Harry and Meghan’s royal work when they relocate to Frogmore Cottage to raise their family.

“The Queen has given permission for The Duke and Duchess of Sussex to base their Household Office at Buckingham Palace,” the release continued. “Their Royal Highnesses will appoint new communications staff, who will form part of the Buckingham Palace communications team and report to The Queen’s Communications Secretary, Donal McCabe. Kensington Palace will continue to support Their Royal Highnesses until that team is in place.”

WATCH: Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Say “We’re Nearly There”.

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This article originally appeared on InStyle Australia

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