Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will no longer be called His and Her Royal Highness under an agreement reached by all four royal households following their decision to step back as “senior members of the royal family”.
In a statement released by Queen Elizabeth II, Harry and Meghan will still continue to support their private patronages, however, have also agreed to repay the £2.4million ($4.5 million AUD) of taxpayers’ money spent on renovating their UK home, Frogmore Cottage.
“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,” the official statement read.
“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.
“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.”
Story continues after statement.
Following the first announcement, another statement was issued by Buckingham Palace.
“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.
“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. 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. 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. 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.”
Royal Editor at Large for Harper’s Bazaar and trusted royal reporter, Omid Scobie, took to his Twitter account to dot point the outcome.
“While they will no longer represent the Queen they will continue to do work that supports HM (such as their roles with @queenscomtrust),” he wrote.
“Any work they do moving ahead will still uphold the values of HM [Her Majesty].
While adding: “There is scope for the Royal Family to review this situation in 2021.”
“[The] Queen has made it clear that Frogmore will remain their UK home (they’ll meet running costs privately).”
Scobie, who is believed to be a trusted friend of Meghan, also revealed that “all discussions have been friendly and constructive and all involved pleased with outcome. [sic]”
“Prince Charles will still continue to offer private financial support.”
According to Scobie, Harry and Meghan will “still happily attend engagements for the Queen (such as Trooping the Colour)” and “details, including security and using the name “Sussex Royal” will be shared in due course.”