PRINCE HARRY and Meghan Markle stepped away from being working royals in 2020.
However, are they still the Duke and Duchess of Sussex?
Harry and Meghan still hold their titles
Are Meghan and Harry still the Duke and Duchess of Sussex?
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle kept their titles of ‘His/Her Royal Highness’ but no longer actively use their HRHs since they stopped being working royals.
Both of them kept their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles since leaving the UK, which was dubbed “Megxit”.
They were given these titles by the Queen when they got married but to take them away, an Act of Parliament would be required.
A statute would need to pass both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, however, royal sources claimed that this is “unlikely” to happen.
The last time this happened was in 1917 when members turned against the UK.
Harry and Meghan have now opted to simply introduce themselves by their first names rather than have it followed by Duke or Duchess.
But now Prince Harry isn’t able to wear his military uniform at official events after being stripped of his honorary titles in the Megxit review.
In a statement at the time, 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 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.
“While all are saddened by their decision, The Duke and Duchess remain much loved members of the family.”
The Duke of Sussex was said to be “upset” at the prospect of losing his titles and patronages – with the palace confirming he would no longer hold the honorary positions.
Harry and Meghan were reportedly “resigned” to losing their roles.
The couple had around 18 royal and private patronages until the Palace’s announcement.
What did Meghan Markle and Prince Harry say in their statement?
Responding to the statement from Buckingham Palace that the pair wouldn’t be coming back, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex released their own statement on social media.
It read: “As evidenced by their work over the past year, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain committed to their duty and service to the UK and around the world, and have offered their continued support to the organisations they have represented regardless of official role.
“We can all live a life of service. Service is universal.”
