Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Will No Longer Use Their 'Royal Highness' Titles
Buckingham Palace announced Saturday that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will no longer be senior royals, beginning in the spring of 2020.
The couple will step back from royal duties, including official military appointments, as part of the agreement. Because they will no longer be working members of family, Harry and Meghan will no longer receive public funds or use their "royal highness" titles. The prince remains sixth in line to the crown.
"With the queen’s blessing, the Sussexes will continue to maintain their private patronages and associations," a statement from the palace read. "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."
As part of the separation, Harry and Meghan announced they will repay the government for the multi-million dollar renovation of Frogmore Cottage on the grounds of Windsor Castle, where the couple moved after departing the walls of Kensington Palace.
The reported $3.1 million update to the mid-1800s property included more than $25,000 to "protect the property from the public eye." Buckingham Palace has refused to comment on security arrangements for the royals moving forward.
Queen Elizabeth II said Saturday's announcement was a "supportive way forward," which was the result of many months of conversations.
"Harry, Meghan, and Archie will always be much loved members of my family," the queen said in her own statement. "I recognize 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."
After thanking the couple for their work across the commonwealth, the queen ended with a direct show of support for Meghan.
"I ... am particularly proud of how Meghan has so quickly become one of the family," she added. "It is my whole family’s hope that today’s agreement allows them to start building a happy and peaceful new life."
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