It's understood Britain's Queen Elizabeth II wasn't warned about plans by Prince Harry and his wife Meghan to announce they are stepping back as senior members of the royal family.
The couple also said they want to become financially independent and split their time between the UK and North America.
Buckingham Palace released a statement shortly afterwards, saying that these are complicated issued that will take time to work through.
In a statement shared on Instagram, Harry and Meghan said: "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.
"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."
A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said: "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."
Although they'll no longer be able to use monies from the British taxpayer, which funds 5% of their costs, they'll still be able to receive income from Harry's father Prince Charles through his private estate.
The couple also plan to keep a four-bedroom property in England, Frogmore Cottage, which was refurbished just nine months ago.
