Queen had offered Meghan freedom to live without titles before wedding but she wanted to become a working royal

The actress, however, turned down the offer because she "wanted to become a working member of the royal family."

UPDATED JAN 27, 2020

Queen Elizabeth II and Meghan Markle. (Getty Images)

The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, reportedly told the Queen she was "happy" to stop acting and become a royal after she and Prince Harry were offered the freedom to live without titles, according to a source. Shortly before the royal wedding in May 2018, the Queen had "made an offer" to the Suits actor which would have given "her freedom to continue her acting career," the source told The Sun.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made a shocking announcement on January 8, stating that they would step back as senior members of the royal family and work to become financially independent. This move could see the couple splitting their time between the UK and Canada. Buckingham Palace, last week, announced that the Sussexes will stop using their HRH titles from Spring and withdraw from their royal duties, including official military appointments.

Queen Elizabeth II sitts and laughs with Meghan, Duchess of Sussex accompanied by Samantha Cohen (Back, L) during a ceremony to open the new Mersey Gateway Bridge on June 14, 2018 in the town of Widnes in Halton, Cheshire, England. (Getty Images)

The Queen had reportedly hoped that a choice to live without royal titles and allowing her to continue with her acting would help Meghan have a "smooth transition" into royal life. The actress, however, turned down the offer because she "wanted to become a working member of the royal family."

"From the early days, the Queen really wanted to agree on a smooth transition for Meghan. The offer would have allowed her to carry on her career but she was happy to stop acting to become a working member of the royal family," the source revealed, adding that officials in The Firm had become frustrated with the royal couple as the pair now claimed they were pressured into quitting royal life.

(L-R) Queen Elizabeth II, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex watch the RAF flypast on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, as members of the Royal Family attend events to mark the centenary of the RAF on July 10, 2018 in London, England. (Getty Images)

When the couple got married, Harry was given the highest rank in British peerage and Meghan became the first Duchess of Sussex. The couple continues to retain their titles and will be allowed to maintain their private patronages and associations.

The Queen, in her recent statement, acknowledged the royal split, saying: "I recognize the challenges they have experienced as a result of intense scrutiny over the last two years and support their wish for a more independent life." The Sussexes are currently staying in Vancouver Island, Canada, with their one-year-old son Archie as they continue to proceed with their charity work and aspire to embark on new endeavors.