Last week the Duke and Duchess of Sussex made the unprecedented announcement that they would be stepping back as senior royals to “carve out a progressive new role” within the monarchy.
And, while it’s only been days since the news, with serious discussions still needing to take place, it seems the Sussexes are already forging their own path with new reports pointing towards what may be in the pipeline for the royal couple.
According to The Times, Duchess Meghan has signed a voiceover deal with Disney to benefit the wildlife conservation charity Elephants Without Borders.
While details have been kept under wraps, it’s believed the duchess recorded the voiceover before the Sussexes went on their six-week break to Canada over the festive season.
Duchess Meghan has reportedly signed a voiceover deal with Disney. (Image: Getty)
Following the news, an old video of Prince Harry meeting Disney CEO Bob Iger at the European premiere of The Lion King has resurfaced, with Prince Harry seemingly initiating talks of Meghan possibly doing future work with Disney.
Gesturing towards Duchess Meghan, who was speaking to Beyonce and JAY-Z next to them, Harry can be heard saying, “She’s really interested.”
“Sure,” Iger replies, “We’d love to try”.
Meghan Markle and Beyonce greet each other with a hug at the premiere of The Lion King, while Prince Harry chats to Disney CEO Bob Iger. (Image: Getty)
The wildlife conservation charity Elephants Without Borders (EWB), which will reportedly benefit from this upcoming project between Disney and the Sussexes, is one that Harry and Meghan have both worked with in the past.
In 2017 the couple travelled to Botswana to celebrate Meghan’s 36th birthday and to assist the charitable organisation dedicated to conserving wildlife and natural resources.
Last year the couple shared several photographs on different occasions from their trip including one, never-before-seen image in April which showed Harry and Meghan attaching a tracking device to a bull elephant.
The couple also shared images on Instagram in August last year on World Elephant Day and announced that with the help of their followers and TV show host Ellen Degeneres’ The Ellen Fund, the couple were able to spread the word about EWB and who in turn, able to help protect 25 elephants by fitting them with satellite navigation collars.
“These collars allow the team at EWB to track the elephants, as well as to learn their essential migratory patterns to keep their corridors safe and open so future generations of elephants can roam freely,” the caption explains.
In April 2019 Harry and Meghan shared this image from the same Botswana trip to their Instagram account. (Image: Instagram/@SussexRoyal)
Prince Harry is set to travel to Sandringham on Monday afternoon, UK time, to meet face-to-face with his grandmother The Queen, father Prince Charles and older brother Prince William.
This will be their first meeting since the Sussexes’ shock announcement – something that, while not completely unexpected, was said to have come much earlier than the Palace had anticipated, which was reflected in a terse statement released shortly after the breaking news which read:
“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 the Queen is eager for them to come up with workable solutions in a matter of days, not weeks, that will accommodate the couple’s wishes, while also working with the royal family’s work.
Duchess Meghan, who is currently back in Canada to care for eight-month-old Archie is said to be calling into the meeting, time-zone permitting.
WATCH: Disney created an animation for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s son, Archie. Story continues below…
Last Wednesday, Prince Harry and Meghan shocked the world when they took to Instagram to announce their decision to step back from senior royal duties, just a day after returning to the spotlight following a six-week break in Canada.
“After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make the transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution,” the couple announced in an extensive post.
“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. It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment.”
The couple went on to add they were planning to split their time between the UK and North America, while continuing to work with the Queen, the Commonwealth and their patronages.
“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.”
