Buckingham Palace has announced that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will no longer use their HRH titles and will not receive public funds for royal duties. The couple will also cease to formally represent the Queen, marking a significant shift in their royal roles.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have agreed to repay £2.4 million of taxpayer money used for the refurbishment of Frogmore Cottage, which will remain their UK family home. They will also pay a commercial rent for the property. The new arrangement takes effect in spring this year.
The announcement follows talks between the Queen and the couple on Monday, after they expressed a desire to step back as senior royals and divide their time between the UK and Canada. The Queen stated she was pleased that a constructive and supportive way forward had been found, and emphasised that Harry, Meghan, and Archie remain much loved members of her family.
As part of the agreement, the couple will withdraw from official military appointments and can no longer formally represent the Queen. However, they will continue to maintain their private patronages and associations. The Rugby Football League expressed delight at retaining the duke as patron, while Rhino Conservation Botswana expects their relationship to strengthen.
BBC royal correspondent Daniela Relph described the move as 'stepping away entirely' from royal duties, noting that the couple's commercial future will be closely scrutinised. The palace declined to comment on security arrangements for the couple.
