The Queen has spoken – and she fully supports Prince Harry’s and Meghan Markle’s decision to step down as “senior” members of the Royal Family and become financially independent. BUT they’ll be giving up their royal titles when it takes effect in the spring.
Following discussions over their decision, the Sussex Royal Instagram account shared a new statement from The Queen.
“Following many months of conversations and more recent discussions, I am pleased that together we have found a constructive and supportive way forward for my grandson and his family,” the Queen’s statement begins. “Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved members of my family. I recognise 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.”
“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,” she continues. “It is my whole family’s hope that today’s agreement allows them to start building a happy and peaceful new life.”
Buckingham Palace also issued a statement with more details about what their exit from the Royak Family will mean for the couple.
“The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are grateful to Her Majesty and the Royal Family for their ongoing support as they embark on the next chapter of their lives. As agreed in this new arrangement, they understand that they are required to step back from Royal duties, including official military appointments. They will no longer receive public funds for Royal duties,” the statement reads. “With The Queen’s blessing, the Sussexes will continue to maintain their private patronages and associations. While they can no longer formally represent The Queen, the Sussexes have made clear that everything they do will continue to uphold the values of Her Majesty.”
“The Sussexes will not use their HRH titles as they are no longer working members of the Royal Family,” the palace notes. “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have shared their wish to repay Sovereign Grant expenditure for the refurbishment of Frogmore Cottage, which will remain their UK family home. Buckingham Palace does not comment on the details of security arrangements. There are well established independent processes to determine the need for publicly-funded security.”
Harry’s full title was His Royal Highness The Duke of Sussex, Earl of Dumbarton and Baron Kilkeel. And when Meghan married Harry in 2018, she became Her Royal Highness (HRH) The Duchess of Sussex.
However, since they won’t be working members of the Royal Family anymore, basically, when spring rolls around, Harry and Meghan will stop using their titles His and Her Royal Highness – but Harry is still totally Duke of Sussex. Meghan will also retain her title as Duchess of Sussex.
Prince Harry has also broken his silence on the matter, and opened up about their decision on Sunday (January 19), at a dinner in central London held for his Sentebale charity, which supports children with HIV in southern Africa.
“It brings me great sadness that it has come to this. The decision that I have made for my wife and I to step back is not one I made lightly,” he said, in part, during his speech. “It was so many months of talks after so many years of challenges. And I know I haven’t always gotten it right, but as far as this goes, there really was no other option. What I want to make clear is we’re not walking away, and we certainly aren’t walking away from you.”
“Our hope was to continue serving the Queen, the commonwealth, and my military associations, but without public funding. Unfortunately, that wasn’t possible,” he said. “I’ve accepted this, knowing that it doesn’t change who I am or how committed I am.”
“But I hope that helps you understand what it had come to – that I would step my family back from all I have ever known, to take a step forward into what I hope can be a more peaceful life,” he continued.
He shared that they will “continue to lead a life of service,” noting that that is something that have not and will not change.
“I will always have the utmost respect for my grandmother, my commander in chief, and I am incredibly grateful to her and the rest of my family, for the support they have shown Meghan and I over the last few months,” he later added. “I will continue to be the same man who holds his country dear and dedicates his life to supporting the causes, charities and military communities that are so important to me.”
He also said his royal duties had given him an “education about living.”
“This role has taught me more about what is right and just than I could have ever imagined. We are taking a leap of faith – thank you for giving me the courage to take this next step.”
