How harry meghan involvement with royal family will look as they step back 20200119 p5q4wy.html – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
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This was published 6 years ago

What Harry and Meghan's life as 'non-working royals' will look like

Emily Lefroy

If you've somehow missed it, there's been a major shakeup in the royal family, with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle opting to step down as senior royals and become 'financially independent'.

An official statement has been released by Buckingham Palace, detailing the arrangements for the couple's new working model, which begins in Spring 2020.

The statement explained Harry and Meghan "will no longer receive public funds for Royal duties" and "with The Queen's blessing … will continue to maintain their private patronages and associations."

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announce engagement, November 2017

Harry and Meghan will remain the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Getty

Although the statement addressed the outline of what will happen moving forward, further details have emerged as to just how involved they will be with the monarchy's operations.

They will still attend royal events

Royal reporter Omid Scobie said Harry and Meghan will still attend major royal events like Trooping the Colour, for the Queen. Though they are no longer required to, as they won't be working royals, according to a royal source the Sussuxes have said "they will happily continue to attend royal events at the invitation of the royal family."

They are still considered members of the royal family

Despite stepping back from official royal duties, and some reports suggesting this represented an entire split from the monarchy, the couple will still be part of the royal family.

Queen Elizabeth II said in her statement that "Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved members of my family".

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How they will be known

Meghan and Harry will retain their 'His/Her Royal Highness' titles, but no longer use them as they will not conduct royal duties. They will however, remain the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Emily Nash, the royal editor at Hello! tweeted their names will be individually styled as Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.

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Harry will still be known as Prince Harry because he was born into it as the child of Charles, Prince of Wales, and Diana, Princess of Wales.

The situation may be reviewed in 2021

The Duke and Duchess will be stepping back from officially in Spring 2020. Omid Scobie tweeted that there is a chance the new model could be reviewed next year in 2021.

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Reporters Omid Scobie and Emily Andrews have both tweeted there is a chance the new model could be reviewed with the Sussexes next year in 2021.

The security arrangements and the funding for the new model are still unclear, although Prince Charles is reportedly still going to provide financial support privately to the couple.

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It is understood Harry, Meghan and Archie will spend most of their time in North America, rather than the U.K.

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