It's finally official—Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will not resume their official roles within the Royal Family. As their trial year comes to an end, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have confirmed they will remain in California and pursue their own careers outside of royal life.
"The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have confirmed to Her Majesty The Queen that they will not be returning as working members of The Royal Family," a statement from Buckingham Palace revealed. "Following conversations with The Duke, The Queen has written confirming that in stepping away from the work of The Royal Family it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service."
This means that Harry and Meghan will no longer be able to keep their royal patronages (U.K. charities sponsored by various members of the Royal Family.) The Sussexes represented the Queen's Commonwealth Trust, the Rugby Football Union, the Rugby Football League, the Royal National Theatre, and the Association of Commonwealth Universities. Prince Harry will also be stripped of his honorary military appointments. The Palace explained that these titles will be redistributed "among working members of The Royal Family."
Most notably, Harry and Meghan will forfeit the use of their His/Her Royal Highness titles. They will, however, retain the titles of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles. Those titles were gifted to Harry and Meghan fom Queen Elizabeth on their wedding day.
"While all are saddened by their decision, The Duke and Duchess remain much-loved members of the family," Buckingham Palace's statement reminded the public. The Sussexes also released a statement of their own saying they "remain committed to their duty and service to the U.K. and around the world, and have offered their continued support to the organizations they have represented regardless of official role. We can all live a life of service. Service is universal."
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