UK’s Prince Harry, Markle To Lose Honorary Titles
Buckingham Palace has announced on Friday that Britain’s Prince Harry will relinquish his honorary military appointments and patronages after informing Queen Elizabeth II that he and his wife Meghan Markle will not return as working royals.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, as they are officially known, rocked the British monarchy when they resigned from frontline royal duties a year ago and relocated to the United States, where they have been on several commercial ventures.
Under the terms of their departure, thrashed out at an emergency summit with the queen in early 2020, Harry agreed the couple would stop using the “Royal Highness” title and no longer carry out duties on behalf of the monarch, but vowed to review the moves a year on.
According to Buckingham Palace, “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have confirmed to Her Majesty The Queen that they will not be returning as working members of The Royal Family.
“The Queen has written confirming that in stepping away from the work of The Royal Family it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service.
“The honorary military appointments and Royal patronages held by The Duke and Duchess will therefore be returned to Her Majesty, before being redistributed among working members of The Royal Family.”
“While all are saddened by their decision, The Duke and Duchess remain much-loved members of the family.”
However, it appears they will retain their official titles of Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and Harry remains sixth in line to the throne, with no change in the line of succession.
