11 of the biggest celebrity reactions to Meghan Markle and Prince Harry stepping down as senior royals

‘They hounded and bullied her until it was no longer tenable to stay, just like Diana,’ says actor Bette Midler

Following the Duke and Duchess of Sussex‘s announcement that they wish to step down as “senior” members of the royal family, the world has responded with a mixture of shock, criticism and praise.

In an unprecedented statement released on Wednesday 8 January, the couple said they want to “work to become financially independent”, while continuing to “fully support Her Majesty The Queen”.

A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace responded by explaining that discussions with the couple are currently “at an early stage”, adding: “We understand their desire to take a different approach, but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through.”

From comedian Amy Schumer to media personality Amanda Holden, here are 11 of the biggest celebrity reactions to the royal couple’s announcement:

Amy Schumer

Amy Schumer made light of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s latest announcement, sharing a photograph of herself being pushed on a beach wheelchair by her husband, chef Chris Fischer.

“Chris and I are formally stepping down from our royal duties. We appreciate your support,” the comedian wrote in the caption.

Ava DuVernay

Following speculation that Netflix’s The Crown may someday depict the events currently unfolding within the royal family, filmmaker Ava DuVernay expressed interest in the hypothetical project.

“Dear senior producers for The Crown. Can we skip ahead a few decades and focus on Meghan and Harry for season four? That would be event TV! Thank you,” entertainment journalist Chris Witherspoon tweeted.

“If they need a director...” Duvernay tweeted in response, sharing a gif from The Hunger Games that shows Jennifer Lawrence stating: “I volunteer as tribute!”

Jameela Jamil

In response to a news article regarding the duke and duchess’ announcement, actor and I Weigh founder Jameela Jamil stated: “And that folks, is what power looks like,” concluding her tweet with a crown emoji.

Piers Morgan

Broadcaster Piers Morgan, who has long-criticised Meghan’s involvement within the royal family, expressed his staunch opposition to her and Prince Harry’s decision, describing the couple as “shameless spoiled brats”.

Amanda Holden

Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden voiced her support for the royal couple while speaking on her Heart Radio breakfast show.

“Honestly I don’t really understand what all the fuss is about because before Christmas the royal family announced they were going to slim down the royal family, just use the main players, and I would imagine that Harry and Meghan don’t consider themselves main players so all they are doing is stepping back, earning their own money and still going to represent us brilliantly abroad,” the media personality said.

“I mean I really like them, I hate the fact that they get all this kind of stuff in the press and I think, I suspect that she maybe is, or wants another baby and I’m thinking she doesn’t want to go through another year of everyone kind of slagging her off, so yeah I’m all for it. I want them to stay together, I want them to be happy.”

Bette Midler

The First Wives Club actor described Meghan and Prince Harry’s announcement as a “sad story”, comparing the treatment of the duchess in the media to that of her mother-in-law, the late Diana, Princess of Wales.

“They hounded and bullied her until it was no longer tenable to stay, just like Diana,” Midler tweeted.

“They’ll never learn until it hits them in the wallet. I hope she bankrupts them all.”

Jessica Mulroney

Fashion stylist Jessica Mulroney, whose twin sons were in Meghan’s bridal party during her royal wedding to Prince Harry in May 2018, implied her support of the duchess with an Instagram post.

Mulroney shared an image on the social media platform of a quote attributed to filmmaker Gina Carey, which reads: “A strong woman looks a challenge in the eye and gives it a wink.”

Stacey Dooley

Television presenter and former Strictly Come Dancing champion Stacey Dooley tweeted a succinct response to the royal situation, writing: “I’ve always rated Harry,” finishing off her tweet with a dancing emoji.

Perez Hilton

Media personality and columnist Perez Hilton referenced the discussions regarding how the duke and duchess plan on earning money independently from the royal family.

“Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are going to make so much money!!” he tweeted, sharing an image of Meghan and Prince Harry, edited to show the duke asking: “Who’s hiring?”

The Daily Show with Trevor Noah

The Twitter account for The Daily Show, an American talk show hosted by comedian Trevor Noah, also commented on the royal couple’s desire to become financially independent.

“ATTENTION: The Daily Show with Trevor Noah is looking for two new employees,” the satirical tweet read.

“Prospective applicants must: speak impeccable English, be very good at waving, have attended one or more weddings that involve swords, have two+ years experience as a member of a royal family, make any castle/manor you own available for work parties.”

Motsi Mabuse

Strictly Come Dancing judge Motsi Mabuse shared a tweet making reference to both US President Donald Trump and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

“I am just really astounded and saddened at the amount of racism I am reading,” she tweeted.

“I can understand when people have different opinions but I have zero tolerance for RACISM!!!!”