Buckingham Palace confirm Harry and Meghan won't return to roles as working Royals
Buckingham Palace confirmed that the Queen had been in talks with the Duke of Sussex
Last updated 24th May 2022
Buckingham Palace has confirmed that Harry and Meghan will not return to their roles as working members of the Royal family.
The decision, which comes following discussions between Prince Harry and other members of the Royal family, means that the couple will lose their Royal patronages.
These include patronages to The Royal Marines, The Rugby Football Union, The Royal National Theatre and The Association of Commonwealth Universities, which will be divided between remaining working members of the Royal family.
The news comes just days after Harry and Meghan announced they were expecting their second child.
Statement from Buckingham Palace
In a statement, Buckingham Palace said, “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 all are saddened by their decision, The Duke and Duchess remain much loved members of the family.”
Following the announcement, the Rugby Football Union tweeted via the England Rugby page confirming that Harry would step down from his role as patron, and thanked him for his support.
Meghan and Harry remain committed to their organisations
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Meghan and Harry said that the couple remained "committed to their duty and service", highlighting that they had “offered their continued support to the organisations they have represented regardless of official role."
The statement concluded, “We can all live a life of service. Service is universal.”
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