From 'spoiled brats' to 'love and support': celebrities react to Harry and Meghan quitting royal duties

On Wednesday, January 8 the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced they were "stepping back as 'senior' members of the Royal Family".

Naturally the revelations made headlines the world over, and with it came an outpouring of support from their celebrity friends.

Actress and campaigner Jameela Jamil was one of the first to speak out, saying simply: "And that folks, is what power looks like", along with a breaking news notification announcing the couple's decision.

Like Jamil, American writer Roxane Gay spoke out in support of their decision, saying: "Good for Meghan and Harry opting out of the UK tabloids staggering racism and the lack of support from the royal family. They will be fine."

American journalist, and the ex-wife of  Arnold Schwarzenegger, Maria Shriver also spoke out in support of the Sussexes, penning a lengthy post on Instagram that said: "What I take away is that they are stepping up in their own lives in a way that works for them. They want to make it their own way.

"Let’s wish them well. Let’s root for them. I’m sure they are trying to carve out their own lives, while also being of service to their larger duty. It’s never easy but possible."

With a similarly sympathetic sentiment, singer Bette Midler compared the pair to Princess Diana in a tweet.

"What a sad story. They hounded and bullied her until it was no longer tenable to stay, just like Diana. They'll never learn until it hits them in the wallet," she said of the decision. Adding: "I hope she bankrupts them all."

Oprah Winfrey is famously a close friend of Markle's and attended their 2017 wedding. She is yet to directly speak out about the royal pair, but her online magazine, O The Oprah Magazine, has penned a story titled, Your Questions About Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's New Royal Status, Answered.

The story says, "Harry and Markle’s decision to step back from royal duties isn't exactly a plot twist – not for those who have been following the couple's movements carefully the last few months. From their decision to celebrate Christmas with Markle's family in California to the inciting battle against the UK tabloids' invasive coverage, the royal couple's efforts to challenge convention have ramped up in the past few months."

This year, Oprah and Prince Harry, are teaming up on an upcoming television project. The pair are set to be working on a mental health documentary series with Apple. They will serve as co-creators and executive producers.

Another friend of Markle's, whose silence has spoken volumes, is stylist Jessica Mulroney. Said to be Markle's best friend, Mulroney, has spoken out about the couple in the past, often rushing to their defence.

On this occasion, however, hours after the couple's statement went public, she posted a Gina Carey quote, which reads: "A strong woman looks a challenge in the eye and gives it a wink." Comments on the Instagram post have been deactivated.

Harry and Meghan x 'The Crown': The funny take 

Others have taken a more humorous approach. Comedian Amy Schumer has likened herself and chef husband Chris Fischer to the royal couple, having got engaged, married and welcomed their first borns at similar times.

"Chris and I are formally stepping down from our royal duties. We appreciate your support," she captioned the photograph of herself and Fischer on the beach.

Then there was the question many have been asking, is Meghan going to go back to acting?

Journalist Paul Farhi has a treatment ready, and some casting options, for the show:

Writer Bravo's Andy Cohen, meanwhile, has reached out to Markle, giving her an "open invite" to join the cast of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

Piers Morgan brands the couple 'shameless spoiled brats'

Others have been less sympathetic towards the pair and their decision.

Outspoken, conservative broadcaster Piers Morgan labelled them "shameless spoiled brats" in a series of tweets.

"Even Putin wouldn't try to pull a stunt like this. I fear they've both gone nuts," Morgan wrote. Adding: "She’s breaking up our royal family after fleecing the public purse. As a taxpayer, and a Monarchist, I’m entitled to take a rather dim view of this."

"What a disgraceful way to treat The Queen. Shame on Harry and Meghan," he wrote.

Conservative commentator Candace Owens made sure she had her 'I told you so' moment. Writing: "Three months ago I publicly stated that Meghan’s obvious play was to convince Prince Harry to quit his role and to instead step into the A-list Hollywood life that she’s always wanted. Meghan never wanted to be royal. She has always wanted fame. Mission accomplished."

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Read more:

A new peek at baby Archie: How the British royal family started 2020

Princes William and Harry reunite at the Festival of Remembrance – in pictures

The 25 biggest weddings of the decade: from Kim and Kanye to Kate and William

Priyanka Chopra slams racist media coverage of Meghan Markle

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