We finally have had the news we have been waiting for: a resolution for Prince Harry and Meghan, who wish to step down from their Royal Family roles.
An announcement from Buckingham Palace tonight used The Queen’s words to share the update – a personal message alongside an official release.
“I am pleased that together we have found a constructive and supportive way forward for my grandson and his family,” she said.
The Queen with The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at The Queen’s Young Leaders Awards Ceremony at Buckingham Palace. The couple will no longer use their HRH status, and will repay the money used to renovate Frogmore Cottage.
“I want to thank them for all their dedicated work across this country, the Commonwealth and beyond, and am particularly proud of how Meghan has so quickly become one of the family.”
The palace said that the couple will retain their HRH styling, which shows their status as senior Royals and close relatives of The Queen. However, the couple will not use them moving forward.
In referring to the Sussexes moving forward, the proper styling would be Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. Note the use of first names and no ‘the’ in their titles.
Prince Harry and Meghan are ‘required to step back from Royal duties, including official military appointments. They will no longer receive public funds for Royal duties.’ This means the Duke is no longer affiliated with the Royal Marines as he has been their Captain General. Harry will also no longer be a Commonwealth Youth Ambassador, but he and Meghan retain their roles as
Prince Harry and Meghan will spend most of their time in North America, the palace tells us. Picture by i-Images / Pool
It also tells us the royal couple will ensure ‘everything they do will continue to uphold the values of Her Majesty’, but will retain private patronages.
Their Sussex Royal website mentioned the couple wanted to keep Frogmore Cottage, if The Queen agreed; she has, but Harry and Meghan will pay back Sovereign Support Grant money that was used to upgrade the property, some £2.4 million. This, the statement said, was ‘their wish’.
“It is my whole family’s hope that today’s agreement allows them to start building a happy and peaceful new life.”
