The Duke of Sussex – Harry and Duchess of Sussex – Meghan Markle will no longer use their titles of His Royal Highness (HRH) and Her Royal Highness (HRH) respectively.
Buckingham Palace has announced that the Duke of Sussex – Harry and Duchess of Sussex – Meghan Markle will no longer use their titles of His Royal Highness (HRH) and Her Royal Highness (HRH) respectively.
The announcement came after they decided to step back from their roles as senior members of the royal family. This also means that they will not receive public funds for royal duties. They will also no longer represent the Queen of United Kingdom (U.K.) – Elizabeth II.
The arrangement has been agreed by the Queen Elizabeth II, the Prince of Wales – Charles (eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II and father of Harry) and Duke of Cambridge – Prince William (the elder son of Prince Charles and brother of Harry). The new arrangement comes into effect from Spring 2020.
They couple will also repay £ 2.4 million of taxpayer’s money which they had used for refurbishment of their official residence – Frogmore Cottage. The property will remain their U.K. family home.
The announcement came after Queen Elizabeth II held several rounds of talks with the couple.
Queen Elizabeth II said in the statement, “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.”
She also said, “Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved members of my family. 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.”
Appreciating their work as members of the Royal Family, Queen Elizabeth II said, “I want to thank them for all their dedicated work across this country, the Commonwealth and beyond,” the Queen said, “and am particularly proud of how Meghan has so quickly become one of the family.”
While they will continue to maintain their private patronages and associations, they will also ensure to uphold the values of Her Majesty in their conduct. Harry will also give up his 3 military patronages and his position of Commonwealth Youth Ambassador.
Prior to this, Harry and Meghan had said that they want a progressive new role where they would be financially independent and divide their time between the U.K. and North America. They have been finding it difficult to strike a balance between the royal life and media attention.
For the records, Harry’s mother, Princess of Wales – Lady Diana’s had also given up the HRH title after her divorce with Prince of Wales – Charles.
However, it is not clear whether Meghan still want to gain British citizenship, which would require her staying in U.K. for a specified time.
