People in Windsor react to Sussexes' announcement

Windsor locals reacted Thursday to the news that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex intend to "step back" from their roles and pursue a new path that will allow them to be financially independent. Derek Prime, a 75-year-old retired Windsor resident, who has seen two monarchs on the throne, said he predicted they would keep their titles and leave.

He added they should not be funded by the public anymore.

Retired Windsor local Christine Williams said the news did not come as a surprise but it was a shame as she considers the royal family to be part of the UK's heritage.

Harry and Meghan's stunning announcement underscores the couple's wish to forge a new path for royals in the modern world and clearly upset senior royals.

Hours after the first statement, Buckingham Palace issued a second statement saying many issues still had to be worked out before Harry and Meghan's plan could be realised.

The 35-year-old Harry is Elizabeth's grandson and sixth in line to the British throne.

With his ginger hair and beard, he is one of the royal family's most recognisable and popular members and has spent his entire life in the glare of the public eye.

Before marrying the prince in a royal wedding watched around the world in 2018, the 38-year-old Duchess of Sussex was American actress Meghan Markle and a star of the TV show “Suits.” The couple's first child, Archie, was born in May 2019.

(Picture Credit: AP)