Campaigners have tonight claimed the statement from Harry and Meghan this evening shows the monarchy isn't sustainable in the modern era.

Graham Smith, speaking for Republic, called the statement crass and self-serving after the royal couple said they would work towards being financially independent.

Speaking for the group Graham Smith said:

"This really is wanting to have your cake and eat it.  They have said they will dip in and out of royal duties as it suits them but won't stop taking public money until they find other sources of income."

"To suggest that they're not already financially independent is incredibly crass and belies a sense of self entitlement and a lack of self-awareness that is common among royals."

"What should be more concerning is that the royal family's star couple have effectively bowed out of their leading role, and that raises questions about the monarchy's future."

"The Queen and Prince Charles appear comfortable with all the trappings and formality of royal duties, but it's increasingly clear that the younger generations are not so keen."

"In the meantime taxpayers will rightly ask who will be funding their overseas lifestyle, their extra security and trips back and forth between here and North America."

"The monarchy needs to be asked serious questions about what they're up to, it's not good enough to be told to wait for clarification or to be left reading the tea leaves to work out what their intentions are."

"The royal family is in trouble and with the next succession on the horizon their problems are only going to get worse."