Meghan Markle returns to Canada (and baby Archie) while Prince Harry remains in the UK

Meghan Markle has returned to Canada to reunite with her baby son Archie who had been staying with his nanny.

As you're probably aware, Meghan and Prince Harry this week announced their decision to step down as senior royals and spend more time in the Commonwealth. The former Suits actress has returned to Canada, where she, Harry and Archie spent six weeks recently. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were pictured in London this week where they met with Canada's High Commissioner Janice Charette and thanked her for the "warm hospitality" they received during their stay. This latest development in a story, which like it or not, has gripped a global audience, was confirmed to BBC royal correspondent Johnny Dymond. Buckingham Palace has previously said that discussions between the royal family and the Duke and Duchess "are at an early stage" which must be difficult when Meghan is in another place entirely. After the couple's statement regarding their decision, described as a bold move by many, the palace responded with the below.

"Discussions with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are at an early stage. We understand their desire to take a different approach, but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through."

It's believed that the Queen spoke to the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cambridge after the statement was made public and the trio instructed their teams to work with the Sussexes and their staff in the hopes of finding a solution. According to insiders, the royal family were "hurt" by Meghan and Harry's decision to go ahead and release their statement without contacting any of them first.

BREAKING A palace source tells the BBC that senior members of the Royal family feel “hurt” by the announcement that Harry and Meghan are to withdraw from their current Royal roles. The source confirmed that no members of the royal family were consulted.

— Jonny Dymond (@JonnyDymond) January 8, 2020

A source previously spoke to The Sun about the couple's rumoured move to Canada, before the decision was made official.

"They have a lot of friends there. Meghan feels comfortable and at home there because she lived there for seven years before meeting Harry. "They very much enjoyed their time over Christmas and New Year where they weren’t pictured once and were left alone".

At the moment, it's unclear what shape their "progressive new roles" will take, the official statement can be read in full on their new website.