Prince HarryandMeghan Markle’s candor for the Netflix cameras has cast a hot new spotlight.The first volume of Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s highly anticipated docuseriesHarry & Meghandebuted Thursday, taking viewers into theirlove storyand historic decision to step back as senior working royals. Harry, 38, and Meghan, 41, shared over 15 hours of video footage and a trove ofprivate photosto complete the six-hour documentary for Netflix, which reaches over 220 million subscribers worldwide.It was widely speculated that Harry and Meghan’s step back from royal life correlated with a desire for a more private life, but the couple is clarifying that false narrative amid their new docuseries. In a statement, Harry and Meghan’s couple’s global press secretary shot down the connection.Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.Matt Dunham - WPA Pool/Getty"Their statement announcing their decision to step back mentions nothing of privacy and reiterates their desire to continue their roles and public duties," the spokesperson said in a statement.Netflix"Any suggestion otherwise speaks to a key point of this series," she continued. “They are choosing to share their story, on their terms, and yet the tabloid media has created an entirely untrue narrative that permeates press coverage and public opinion. The facts are right in front of them.“On Jan. 8, 2020,Prince Harryand Meghan, who had been staying in Canada at the time, shocked the world when they announced they werestepping down as senior royals.Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.DANIEL LEAL/AFP"After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution,” the Sussexessaid in a statement on Instagram. “We intend tostep back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Familyand 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.Days later, Harry,King Charles IIIandPrince Williamhad a “Sandringham Summit” to discuss the couple’s royal future. After the 90-minute discussion,Queen ElizabethII said in a statement, “Today my family hadvery constructive discussions on the future of my grandson and his family. My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghan’s desire to create a new life as a young family. Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time working Members of the Royal Family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family.“Samir Hussein/WireImageCan’t get enough ofPEOPLE’s Royals coverage?Sign up for our free Royals newsletterto get the latest updates onKate Middleton,Meghan Markleand more!Harry and Meghan returned to the U.K. for their final royal engagements in early March 2020. On March 5, 2020, theyattended the Endeavor Fund Awardsin London, where astriking photoof them laughing in the rain went viral.On March 9, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended a Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey,briefly reunitingwith Prince William andKate Middleton.Harry and Meghan’s last day in their senior royal roles was March 31, 2020. In February 2021, the Palaceconfirmedthat Harry and Meghan would no longer work on behalf of the British royal family.The first three episodes ofHarry & Meghanare now streaming on Netflix. Volume two hits queues next Thursday, Dec. 15.

Prince HarryandMeghan Markle’s candor for the Netflix cameras has cast a hot new spotlight.

The first volume of Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s highly anticipated docuseriesHarry & Meghandebuted Thursday, taking viewers into theirlove storyand historic decision to step back as senior working royals. Harry, 38, and Meghan, 41, shared over 15 hours of video footage and a trove ofprivate photosto complete the six-hour documentary for Netflix, which reaches over 220 million subscribers worldwide.

It was widely speculated that Harry and Meghan’s step back from royal life correlated with a desire for a more private life, but the couple is clarifying that false narrative amid their new docuseries. In a statement, Harry and Meghan’s couple’s global press secretary shot down the connection.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.Matt Dunham - WPA Pool/Getty

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Duke and Duchess of Sussex leave after a service of thanksgiving for the reign of Queen Elizabeth II at St Paul’s Cathedral in London, Friday, June 3, 2022 on the second of four days of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee. The events over a long holiday weekend in the U.K. are meant to celebrate the monarch’s 70 years of service

“Their statement announcing their decision to step back mentions nothing of privacy and reiterates their desire to continue their roles and public duties,” the spokesperson said in a statement.

Netflix

Harry & Meghan | Official Trailer

“Any suggestion otherwise speaks to a key point of this series,” she continued. “They are choosing to share their story, on their terms, and yet the tabloid media has created an entirely untrue narrative that permeates press coverage and public opinion. The facts are right in front of them.”

On Jan. 8, 2020,Prince Harryand Meghan, who had been staying in Canada at the time, shocked the world when they announced they werestepping down as senior royals.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.DANIEL LEAL/AFP

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex gesture during their visit to Canada House in thanks for the warm Canadian hospitality and support they received during their recent stay in Canada, in London on January 7, 2020

“After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution,” the Sussexessaid in a statement on Instagram. “We intend tostep back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Familyand 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.

Days later, Harry,King Charles IIIandPrince Williamhad a “Sandringham Summit” to discuss the couple’s royal future. After the 90-minute discussion,Queen ElizabethII said in a statement, “Today my family hadvery constructive discussions on the future of my grandson and his family. My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghan’s desire to create a new life as a young family. Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time working Members of the Royal Family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family.”

Samir Hussein/WireImage

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend The Endeavour Fund Awards at Mansion House on March 05, 2020 in London, England

Can’t get enough ofPEOPLE’s Royals coverage?Sign up for our free Royals newsletterto get the latest updates onKate Middleton,Meghan Markleand more!

Harry and Meghan returned to the U.K. for their final royal engagements in early March 2020. On March 5, 2020, theyattended the Endeavor Fund Awardsin London, where astriking photoof them laughing in the rain went viral.

On March 9, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended a Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey,briefly reunitingwith Prince William andKate Middleton.

Harry and Meghan’s last day in their senior royal roles was March 31, 2020. In February 2021, the Palaceconfirmedthat Harry and Meghan would no longer work on behalf of the British royal family.

The first three episodes ofHarry & Meghanare now streaming on Netflix. Volume two hits queues next Thursday, Dec. 15.

source: people.com