MEGHAN Markle and Prince Harry have officially quit the Royal Family with the Duke stripped of his military titles, Buckingham Palace announced today.
The Queen today said she was “saddened” after her grandson and the Duchess of Sussex today confirmed they would not be returning as working members of the Royal Family.
Read our Meghan and Harry live blog for the very latest news...
Just moments after Buckingham Palace confirmed the couple would be officially stepping down, Harry and pregnant Meghan released a statement saying they would “remain committed” to the UK.
Today’s announcement – released 12 months after the couple stepped back from their roles as senior royals – was made after conversations between The Duke of Sussex and Members of The Royal Family, the palace said.
Harry and Meghan’s decision puts extra strain on the family when 99-year-old Prince Philip is in hospital after feeling unwell – with the duke believed to be isolating in the US so he can return to the UK if needed.
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 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.”
It comes as….
- Prince Philip remains in hospital after feeling unwell
- Prince Harry will no longer represent England Rugby as patron
- Meghan Markle and Prince Harry announced they were expecting another baby – making son Archie a big brother
- The couple will be interviewed by Oprah in a primetime special to be aired next month
Meghan and Harry, who are living in the US as they await the arrival of their new baby, then released a statement saying “service is universal”.
They said: “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.”
Meghan and Harry last year announced they were quitting as royals, saying they wanted to become financially independent.
Since then, they have moved to the US and signed a string of multi-million pound deals including a rumoured $112 million deal with Netflix.
They have also started their own foundation, Archewell, and launched a podcast series with Spotify believed to be worth £30m.
And they are next expected to sit down in a tell-all chat with Oprah Winfrey in an interview to be aired on CBS next month.
It means Harry will no longer hold his military titles including The Royal Marines, RAF Honington, Royal Navy Small Ships and Diving.
Meghan will also lose her patronages with The Royal National Theatre and The Association of Commonwealth Universities.
It comes after the Sun revealed earlier this week that Prince Harry, 36, was “upset” at the prospect of losing his military titles.
Meghan and Harry are now living in the US, raising their son Archie.
The couple this week announced they were expecting another baby.
The Queen said she was “delighted” with the news.
