Prince Harry and Meghan confirm that they are never coming back to the Royal Family

“While we all are saddened by their decision, The Duke and Duchess remain much-loved members of the family”

Harry and Meghan in London
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Lauren Hughes
By Lauren Hughes
published

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will not return as working royals, Buckingham Palace confirms.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped back from royal duties last March and moved to the US with one-year-old son Archie. They announced their second pregnancy on Valentine's Day this year.

The Queen herself confirmed that the couple would not "continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service".

An official statement from Buckingham Palace read, '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. 

'Following conversations with The Duke, 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 we all are saddened by their decision, The Duke and Duchess remain much-loved members of the family.'

A spokesperson for The Duke and Duchess of Sussex has said, 'As evidenced by their work over the past year, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain committed to their duty and service to the UK and around the world, and have offered their continued support to the organisations they have represented regardless of official role. 

'We can all live a life of service. Service is universal.'

Lauren Hughes
Lauren Hughes

Lauren is the former Deputy Digital Editor at woman&home and became a journalist mainly because she enjoys being nosy. With a background in features journalism, Lauren worked on the woman&home brand for four years before going freelance. Before woman&home Lauren worked across a variety of women's lifestyle titles, including GoodTo, Woman's Own, and Woman magazine.

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