Major Canadian Newspaper Says Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Can't Stay

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's plan to step back from their royal roles — aka Megxit — has sparked strong reactions in Britain and is now causing a stir across the pond in Canada, where the Duke and Duchess of Sussex intend to move as they split their time between the U.K. and North America. But according to one of Canada's largest newspapers, Harry and Meghan aren't welcome.

"The Canadian monarchy is virtual; it neither rules nor resides. Our royals don't live here. They reign from a distance," read the op-ed in The Globe and Mail. "And that is why, in response to the sudden announcement of a vague and evolving plan for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex — Prince Harry and Meghan — to move to Canada while remaining part of the Royal Family, the ... government's response should be simple and succinct: No."

While that sounds dire, the editorial adds, "You are welcome to visit, but so long as you are senior royals ... this country cannot become your home." Will the duke and duchess still be considered "senior" royals as their roles evolve. That's one of many questions that has Canucks concerned.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle said they will "work to become financially independent" from royal funds (which shouldn't be a problem for the wealthy couple), but they also said they will continue to "full support Her Majesty, The Queen." How will that translate when the couple resides in Canada — a location Queen Elizabeth confirmed is part of the plan? Those logistics are TBD, but one thing is clear: Canada's major newspaper is not having it.

If the Duke and Duchess "were ordinary private citizens, plain old Harry and Meghan from Sussex, they would be welcome," said The Globe and Mail. "But this country's unique monarchy, and its delicate yet essential place in [Canada's] constitutional system, means that a royal resident — the Prince is sixth in the line of succession — is not something that Canada can allow. It breaks an unspoken constitutional taboo." 

In other words, Canada's relationship with the crown is cordial but complicated.

Here's your 60-second history lesson about the U.K. and Canada. The British helped establish Canada back in the day, which is why the North American nation has maintained ties to the monarchy post-independence. "The concept of the Crown is at the centre of the Canadian system of government. Bills aren't law until they receive royal assent; crimes are prosecuted in the name of Her Majesty by lawyers known as crowns; [a Canadian] passport asks foreign states for protection in the name of the Queen. All of that comes out of a constitutional order, more than a century-and-a-half old, based on the British model," explained The Globe and Mail. "But though Canada borrowed from Britain, it isn't Britain and never was. And this country long ago took steps to make that unmistakably clear."

There are reportedly rules and regulations to stipulate what is (and perhaps more importantly, what isn't) allowed when it comes to the royals' actions when they're in Canada — and that may include whether or not they're allowed to live here at all. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have made it clear that they want to put roots down in Canada, but blurring the lines between Canucks and Brits is clearly ruffling some feathers. And yet, that hasn't stopped many in the country from supporting the duke and duchess' decision.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may have to jump through a few hoops if they want to settle down in Canada, but it may be worth the work. Not only will the couple be able to escape the notoriously relentless British press and enjoy a more laid-back lifestyle, but they'll also be welcomed by many Canadians who are supportive of their decision.

Another Globe and Mail piece called Harry and Meghan's presence, along with their baby boy, Archie, "the fairy tale ending [Canadians] all deserve." When the Duchess of Sussex visited a women's center in Vancouver on Jan. 14, 2020, there were plenty of fans rolling out the welcome mat. Even Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is on board, tweeting: "Prince Harry, Meghan, and Archie, we're all wishing you a quiet and blessed stay in Canada. You're among friends, and always welcome here."

It's still not clear what Harry and Meghan will do while living in Canada. Clearly, they have countless fans, but The Globe and Mail held fast to its warning in a dire op-ed. "Canada is not a halfway house for anyone looking to get out of Britain while remaining a royal." Ouch.