While we’ve known that it would shake out this way for a while, it’s finally official that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are no longer working royals, after a letter from the queen confirming it.
Meghan and Harry stepped away from their royal duties last year, and at the time, they agreed to a twelve-month review period, on the off chance they might return.
That twelve months is now up, and the pair are set on staying in America and doing their own thing, so their various military and charitable appointments will revert back to the family.
Buckingham Palace published an official statement overnight, saying:
“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.”
The statement concluded by saying: “While all are saddened by their decision, The Duke and Duchess remain much loved members of the family.”
Meghan and Harry released a statement of their own a short time after the palace announcement, saying:
“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.”
