Canadian newspaper's scathing message to Harry and Meghan: 'Canada is not a halfway house' - 9Honey

One of Canada's biggest newspapers has published a scathing editorial piece telling Prince Harry and Meghan Markle they are not welcome to move there.

The Globe and Mail told the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in no uncertain terms they cannot set up a base in their country.

"Canada is not a halfway house for anyone looking to get out of Britain while remaining a royal," the piece said.

Britain's Prince Harry 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, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020 — One of Canada's biggest newspapers has published a scathing editorial piece telling Prince Harry and Meghan Markle they are not welcome to move there (Pictured at Canada House earlier this month) (AP)

The Sussexes shocked the world last week when they announced they'd be stepping back from their roles as senior royals and working to become "financially independent" while splitting their time between the United Kingdom and North America.

It's believed the couple intend to call Canada home as their North American base - something mentioned in a statement by the Queen following crisis talks in Sandringham earlier this week.

However, the editorial piece suggests the couple living in the country on a semi-permanent basis could go against their constitution.

Detailing Canada's history with the monarchy, it says the country has borrowed many things from Britain but is not ruled by the Crown.

In this Wednesday Oct. 2, 2019 file photo, Britain's Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex arrive at the Creative Industries and Business Reception at the British High Commissioner's residence, in Johannesburg — The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced plans to split their time between the UK and Canada last week but the publication claims they are not allowed to live there (AP)

"A royal living in this country does not accord with the long-standing nature of the relationship between Canada and Britain, and Canada and the Crown," the piece acknowledges.

"If they were ordinary private citizens, plain old Harry and Meghan from Sussex, they would be welcome. But this country's unique monarchy, and its delicate yet essential place in our constitutional system, means that a royal resident – the Prince is sixth in the line of succession – is not something that Canada can allow.

"It breaks an unspoken constitutional taboo."

The piece also advises Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau not to allow the couple's request.

Justin Trudeau hints Canada may fund Harry and Meghan's royal transition — The piece also advises Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau not to allow the couple's request (Getty)

"In response to the sudden announcement of a vague and evolving plan for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex – Prince Harry and Meghan – to move to Canada while remaining part of the Royal Family, the Trudeau government's response should be simple and succinct: No.

"You are welcome to visit, but so long as you are senior royals, Canada cannot allow you to come to stay.

"This isn't about breaking up with the Crown. On the contrary, it's about maintaining Canada's unique and highly successful monarchy."

The Queen approved Meghan and Harry's request to carve out new roles in the Royal Family but the particulars are still to be worked out (AP/AAP)

Following an emergency meeting on Monday, dubbed the 'Sandringham Summit', the Queen announced aides would work furiously over "the coming days" to establish how Harry and Meghan's new life as part-time royals will look.

The monarch, however, admitted there's still plenty to work out.

"These are complex matters for my family to resolve, and there is some more work to be done, but I have asked for final decisions to be reached in the coming days."