Meghan And Harry Are Dropping Their HRH Titles
The move comes in light of an official agreement reached with Buckingham Palace
Shortly following on from Queen Elizabeth’s announcement that the royal family had a reached a “constructive and supportive way forward” in light of Harry and Meghan’s decision to step back as senior royals, an official statement from Buckingham Palace has outlined the precise ways in which the couple will be stepping down from their royal duties.
As per the statement, “The Sussexes will not use their HRH titles as they are no longer working members of the Royal Family,” and will “no longer receive public funds for Royal duties,” which appears to sit neatly in line with the couple’s desire to become financially independent from the royal family.
Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, are stepping back from ALL royal duties. They will no longer use their HRH titles and will repay Sovereign Grant funding spent on Frogmore Cottage but mostly live in North America. Transition period complete in Spring 2020. pic.twitter.com/QfDapzvFIq
— Omid Scobie (@scobie) January 18, 2020
However, even by dropping their HRH titles, Meghan and Harry will still be entitled to hold their positions as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
The statement ends by noting that this new model of the royal family, incorporating Meghan and Harry’s newly formed roles, will “take effect in the Spring of 2020.”
Read the statement in full below:
“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.”
ENDS
Images: Getty