Meghan Markle And Prince Harry Confirm They Will Not Return As Working Royals
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have finalised their decision not to return to their previous roles as working members of the royal family.
In March 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex formally stepped back from their senior roles and became financially independent from the monarchy. At the time, both the Sussexes and Buckingham Palace said the couple's decision would be reviewed in 12 months time.
Now, a year on, and the institution has confirmed that the couple will not be returning to their royal roles. As such, their various patronages and military titles will be returned to the Queen.
In a statement, Buckingham Palace said 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'.
'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,' the statement reads. 'The honorary military appointments and Royal patronages held by The Duke and Duchess will therefore be returned to Her Majesty, before being redistributed among working members of The Royal Family.'
The appointments and patronages include the Duchess of Sussex's patronages of the Royal National Theatre, Association of Commonwealth Universities and the Queen's Commonwealth Trust of which she was patron with Harry.
The Duke of Sussex's patronages of the Rugby Football Union and Rugby Football League and his military titles with the royal marines, RAF Honington, Royal Navy small ships and diving will also be returned.
The statement culminated by saying that while all of the royal family are 'saddened' by the married couple of almost three years' decision, 'the Duke and Duchess remain much loved members of the family'.
Last Sunday, Meghan and Harry confirmed they are expecting their second child, releasing an adorable photograph showing the former actress' pregnancy bump and confirming that their son 'Archie is going to be a big brother'.
It has also been established that Meghan will sit down for an interview with veteran TV host Oprah Winfrey, during which she'll be joined by Harry, marking the first time the couple have given a televised interview since stepping back from their roles in the royal family.
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