The Times: Meghan Markle Signs Deal with Disney Amid Plans to Step Back from Royal Duties

Amid discussions with the royal family about Prince Harry and his family's decision to "step down" as senior members of the royal family, his wife Meghan Markle has reportedly signed a deal with Disney.

After Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made the unexpected announcement that they would be "stepping down" as senior members of the royal family, Meghan has gone back to her acting career.

According to The Times, Meghan has signed a voiceover deal with Disney. The income she will make from the project will benefit Elephants Without Borders. It is a chairty that works on conservation efforts for wildlife.

The deal with Disney is in line with the couple's announcement that they are seeking financial independence and will be balancing their lives between England and North America. Their newly launched website, Sussex Royal, revealed:

"The Duke and Duchess of Sussex take great pride in their work and are committed to continuing their charitable endeavours as well as establishing new ones. In addition, they value the ability to earn a professional income, which in the current structure they are prohibited from doing."

reports, the opportunity to work with Disney emerged at "The Lion King" Premiere in July 2019, when

approached the Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company, Bob Iger. In a clip from their conversation he is heard

"You do know she does voiceovers...You seem surprised. She's really interested."

The conversation shows Bob looking surprised over the royal couple's interest in film. However, it proves that the couple had been planning for months to branch out into opportunities beyond their royal duties.

The Times reports, before the Christmas, the issues of signing deals such as the one with Disney came up in tense conversation with senior members of the royal family.

In another clip with a news reporter on July 20, 2019, Bob briefly talked about being millions of dollars into a filming project he was working on with Harry's conservation project.

In the interview, Bob said that he had known the prince a long time, after covering the Invictus Games in the United States. He also said he sees the film as a great opportunity to support a great cause.

It is reported, there will be a crisis meeting at the start of the week, at the Palace with senior members of the royal family.

It is expected that for their first sit down, both Harry and Prince William will attend. Meghan will take part via video call from Canada, where she is staying with their son Archie.