Hollywood Royalty? Prince Harry And Princess Meghan To Move

LOS ANGELES, CA — "Hollywood Royalty" could soon become a real thing if Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, get their way.

The royal couple announced plans to “step back” from the monarchy and move to North America for much of the year. The unorthodox prince and princess shocked royal watchers with an Instagram post Wednesday declaring their desire to “carve out a progressive new role within this institution.” The news caught Buckingham Palace off guard, prompting a statement in response.

“Discussions with The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are at an early stage,” Buckingham Palace said in a separate statement after Harry and Meghan’s announcement, according to the Los Angeles Times. “We understand their desire to take a different approach, but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through.”

The announcement set off immediate speculation that the Hollywood native and former actress would come home to reign. The pair did not say where they would live in North America. In the past, Meghan lived in Los Angeles and Canada while filming the TV show "Suits."

“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,” the pair wrote on Instagram.

Once again shaking up an ancient institution, the prince and princess also said they would work to become financially independent from the monarchy — and support the queen.

“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,” they wrote. “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."

The new parents have been candid about their frustration with the often-critical and invasive British tabloids. They have sued journalists, and Prince Harry famously compared his wife to his mother, who was hounded to her death by paparazzi chasing her limo.