It’s been almost two weeks since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle dropped the bombshell that they would be “stepping back as senior royals” – it was so sudden that not even the Queen was prepared for the announcement.
And now, in a very personal statement, it’s been revealed that the Royal family has come to a decision about Harry and Meghan’s future.
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The statement from the Queen said, “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.
“Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much-loved members of my family.”
She added, “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 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.
“It is my whole family’s hope that today’s agreement allows them to start building a happy and peaceful new life.”
One of the biggest changes that comes for Harry and Meghan is that they will no longer use their royal titles and will no longer receive public money for royal duties.
Harry’s official title was His Royal Highness The Duke of Sussex and Meghan’s was Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex, the Daily Mail reports the couple’s titles will likely change to Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.
This would mirror how Princess Diana’s title changed to Diana, Princess of Wales when she left the Royal family after divorcing Prince Charles.
The couple will also no longer represent the royal family on official duties including military duties and they have stated that they want to pay back the AU$4.5 million of taxpayer money that was spent on the refurbishment of Frogmore Cottage, which will continue to be their home when they are in the UK.
The statement also read, “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.”
“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.”
Buckingham Palace has revealed they will not be commenting on the family’s security arrangement.
The couple is reportedly worth approximately $47 million, but royal reporter Omid Scobie believes Prince Charles will “still continue to offer private financial support” which doesn’t seem all that necessary to be honest.
It’s believed that Harry and Meghan will spend most of their time in North America with the transition period set to be complete in the northern hemisphere’s spring.
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