Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, left the UK for Canada amid the ongoing crisis talks within the British royal family following her and husband Prince Harry's bombshell announcement to distance themselves from frontline duties.
A spokesperson for the 38-year-old former American actress confirmed on Friday that Markle had flown back to Canada to be with eight-month-old son Archie, who had remained in the country with a nanny, while his parents flew back to the UK to resume royal duties earlier this week after a six-week sabbatical on Vancouver Island.
Harry, the 35-year-old Duke of Sussex, has stayed back and is believed to be making attempts to do some damage control with his family members.
The royal family was said to be "hurt" at the couple's statement, which was reportedly issued without the consent of Queen Elizabeth II, Harry's grandmother.
The 93-year-old monarch is understood to have asked senior aides to come up with a "workable solution" after the couple went public with their plans to take a back seat and divide their time between the UK and North America.
Prince Charles, Harry's father, is said to be upset by the move and the senior royals are in internal discussions to find a way forward and determine the couple's future roles.
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According to some UK media reports, the royal family is expected to hold talks with multiple governments over the couple's future plans, suggesting that US as well as Canadian officials may be involved as part of their security and other arrangements.
In a statement issued via their official Sussex Royal website, Harry and Meghan announced that they plan to "value the ability to earn a professional income" -- something they are not currently allowed to do as senior members of the UK royal family.
In the statement issued on Wednesday, they 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."