Meghan Markle, Prince Harry to lose their HRH titles 'as they are no longer working members of the Royal Family'
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are losing their royal titles as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, according to a breaking announcement from Buckingham Palace and a personal note from Queen Elizabeth.
“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,” read a statement tweeted Saturday by the official Twitter account of the royal family. “As agreed in this new arrangement, they understand that they are required to step back from Royal duties, including official military appointments. They will no longer receive public funds for Royal duties.”
The statement read, “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.”
“The Sussexes will not use their HRH titles as they are no longer working members of the Royal Family.”
A statement from Her Majesty The Queen.https://t.co/ZAPC5ARUup
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) January 18, 2020
“The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have shared their wish to repay Sovereign Grant expenditure for the refurbishment of Frogmore Cottage, which will remain their UK family home,” it continued. “Buckingham Palace does not comment on the details of security arrangements. There are well established independent processes to determine the need for publicly-funded security. This new model will take effect in the Spring of 2020.
A personal note from the Queen accompanied the announcement. “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.”
The Queen said, “I recognize 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 all 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.”
The monarchy has reportedly been in a tailspin since January 8, when the Sussexes announced their intention to “step back” from their royal responsibilities in a shocking announcement on social media.
“....We intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen,” read the post adding, “...We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honor our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages. This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity.”
Afterward, Buckingham Palace issued a statement that “Discussions with The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are at an early stage. We understand their desire to take a different approach, but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through.” And a private family meeting, reportedly including the Queen, Prince Harry, his older brother Prince William, and their father Prince Charles, took place to discuss the future plans.
The public has appeared to take sides on “Megxit” — President Trump remarked that the Queen was “blindsided” by the split, Bette Midler tweeted, “What a sad story. They hounded and bullied her until it was no longer tenable to stay, just like Diana. They'll never learn until it hits them in the wallet. I hope she bankrupts them all,” and Bravo host Andy Cohen jokingly invited Markle to join the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
However, inside the royal family, relationships are reportedly strained. After the announcement, Markle flew to Canada while Harry reportedly stayed behind to continue family discussions.
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