Meghan and Harry are 'very excited' about launching charity projects that reflect their personalities 'on a global scale' after splitting from the Cambridges, royal expert claims
- Harry, 34, and Meghan, 37, are reportedly 'very excited' to launch new charity
- Royal couple hope to launch 'Project Sussex Foundation' by the end of the year
- They see it as 'their chance to stamp their own personality' on charity work
- Announced yesterday they would move away from joint charity with Cambridges
- Move is seen as the final step in the division of the couples' public duties
- It follows claims over the past year of a rift between wives and brothers
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are reportedly 'very excited' about the launch of their own foundation following their split from the Cambridges.
Writing in Harper's Bazaar, royal commentator Omid Scobie said that Prince Harry, 34, and Meghan Markle, 37, were looking forward to 'stamping their own personality' on their charity work.
A palace source told Scobie: 'Their operating style is very different to the Cambridges and so having their own space to think as big as they like, working on a global scale, is perfect for them.'
It was revealed yesterday that Prince Harry and Meghan will formally split from their joint charity with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and set up their own foundation.
Prince Harry, 34, and Meghan Markle, 37, are said to be 'very excited' about the launch of their own charitable foundation, which they hope to have up and running by the end of the year
It follows claims over the past year of a rift, first between Kate and Meghan, and then between future king Prince William and his younger brother, Harry.
Royal sources denied the changes were linked to these claims - saying it was 'largely about preparing both couples for their future roles which are obviously on divergent tracks' - but many will see it as part of the ongoing distance between the couples.
It is reported that work has already 'swung into action' on Prince Harry and Meghan's new foundation, and that they are hoping it will stand the test of time.
Despite being on maternity leave until the autumn, Meghan is expected to work closely with a team as she and Harry outline what their new organisation will look like.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussexes' decision to split from the Royal Foundation comes amid rumours of a rift between the royal couples (pictured at the launch of the foundation in February 2018)
The royal couple are said to be excited to 'stamp their personality' on their own charitable foundation (pictured here with baby Archie, who was born in May)
The royal couple are believed to be aiming for the new foundation to be up and running by the end of the year, and are reportedly 'very excited'.
A palace source revealed:'This is their chance to stamp their own personality on their charitable work.'
William, Kate, Harry and Meghan's joint Royal Foundation venture was intended to harness the star power of the four high-profile royals, but it lasted just 16 months.
While working with the Royal Foundation, Meghan took on her first charitable project, Meghan’s Hubb Community cookbook, which raised money for those impacted by the tragedy at Grenfell Tower.
There has been speculation over the past year of a rift between the two couples, first between Kate and Meghan, and then between William and his younger brother, Harry (pictured on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to view a flypast to mark the centenary of the Royal Air Force in July 2018)
There is speculation Meghan and Harry could be looking to work overseas possibly in the duchess' homeland of America, and Africa, a continent Harry is passionate about where his Sentebale charity is based.
A source said the couple's future charitable projects, like those of William and Kate, are likely to have a 'global outreach'.
Another source suggested that it allowed the couple to do 'whatever they liked', saying: 'Their operating style is very different to the Cambridges and so having their own space to think as big as they like, working on a global scale, is perfect for them.'
Sources previously said part of the move was to do with the four royals becoming two established couples with families, and also inspired by the division into two separate working households.
Meghan launched her first project through the Royal Foundation, as she raised money for Grenfell Tower by creating Together: Our Community Cookbook (pictured during her to visit the Hubb Community Kitchen, London, to see how the funds raised by Together: Our Community Cookbook are making a difference.)
The change is aimed at setting the couples on 'a path that is sustainable for the future', they said. William is a future monarch and Kate a future Queen consort, while Harry is only sixth in line to throne.
The 'Fab Four' appeared in February 2018 to promote 'the Royal Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex'.
But the two households have split since then, with Harry and Meghan leaving Kensington Palace for Frogmore Cottage in Windsor and appointing their own staff.
The Foundation said the move followed a structural review, and both couples will continue to work together including on the Heads Together mental health strategy.
Meghan has been vocal about her support for women's rights, and spoke on a panel for International Women's Day in March
The Foundation, which had an income of £7.83million last year, on top of £9million in 2017, added that the decision was made to 'better align' their charitable activities.
Harry and Meghan have already split from the Cambridges' Kensington Palace household, setting up their own at Buckingham Palace in the spring, with a separate head of communications and SussexRoyal Instagram account.
The SussexRoyalInstagram account has 8.7million followers - just behind the KensingtonRoyal account for William and Kate which has 9.3million followers.
Royal aides previously said that the foursome were to remain joint patrons of the Royal Foundation.