Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made unprecedented moves within the royal family, like when at the start of 2020, they announced their decision to step away from their royal duties, CNN reported. An Instagram post shared a statement from Queen Elizabeth touching on the couple’s plans to “live a more independent life” outside of the royal family. “I am pleased that together we have found a constructive and supportive way forward for my grandson and his family,” she added.
According to Harry, The Sussexes’ initial plan was to pursue personal income while still representing the Queen. However, the couple received two options: Remain fully committed to their royal duties or exit entirely.
“Our hope was to continue serving the Queen, the commonwealth, and my military associations, but without public funding. Unfortunately, that wasn’t possible,” Harry explained during a speech at a charity dinner, according to the BBC. “I’ve accepted this, knowing that it doesn’t change who I am or how committed I am.”
With the couple stepping down from their senior roles in the royal family, they decided not to use their “His and Her Royal Highness” titles, although they were not stripped of them. In the months that followed, The Sussexes also relocated to Los Angeles “to embark on their new life,” a source told People. And as People reported in February 2021, Meghan and Harry may lose their royal patronages sooner than later — here’s what we know about the situation.
Speculation around Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal roles surfaced ahead of the first anniversary marking the end of their probation period, aka March 31, 2021, People reported. The supposed discussion revolved around when the Sussexes would get stripped of their involvement with several UK-based charities, with Harry also expected to lose his honorary military appointments.
The reported list of gifts rescindable by Queen Elizabeth includes Harry’s involvement with the Rugby Football Union, the Rugby Football League and the London Marathon, and Markle’s associations with the National Theatre. The Sussexes roles as President and Vice-President of the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust and the Duchess’ role as patron of the Association of Commonwealth Universities were also among the chatter of being taken away.
The Sussexes established projects with Netflix and Spotify presumably occupy a lot of their time, which has reportedly played a role in the decision because the Queen does not want the royals to be “half in, half out,” regarding their duties. “It was clear to her from the start that a hybrid role is not an option,” a source said.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are expected to keep ties with some charities, including Harry’s Invictus Games Foundation, Sentebale, and Markle’s work with Mayhew animal rescue. They might also get to keep the Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles.
Of course, the final decision is up to the Queen. And as for why she reportedly decided to speed up the process, well, we suppose there’s no time like the present.