Will Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Get To Keep Their Title As The Duke And Duchess of Sussex After They Were Stripped Of 'Royal Patronages'?
On February 19, the Palace revealed Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are permanently stepping down from the royal family — but will they get to keep their royal titles?
On February 19, Buckingham Palace announced Prince Harry and Meghan Markle "will not be returning as working members of the royal family." And though the couple will subsequently be stripped of any "honorary military appointments and royal patronages," they'll still maintain the title of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Last year, when the pair announced their "Megxit" deal, it was revealed that they would hold on to their titles of His/Her Royal Highness — but they weren't allowed to actively use them, which will still remain the case.
It was speculated that the couple would discuss a possible return to the family with Queen Elizabeth II in March. It was also reported that during that talk, Harry would try to regain his role within the military, as his work with the organization "is one of the most important things to him," a source noted.
However, he'll now have to move on.
The Palace stated that the following titles will be relinquished and will eventually be redistributed: The Royal Marines, RAF Honington, Royal Navy Small Ships and Diving, as well as The Queen's Commonwealth Trust, The Rugby Football Union, The Rugby Football League, The Royal National Theatre and The Association of Commonwealth Universities.
The announcement concluded with, "While all are saddened by their decision, The Duke and Duchess remain much loved members of the family."
Harry and Meghan, who are currently expecting their second child, followed up the sad news with their own statement.
"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 organizations they have represented regardless of official role," their message read. "We can all live a life of service. Service is universal."
PRINCE CHARMING IN REAL LIFE! THE 10 MOST ELIGIBLE ROYAL BACHELORS IN THE WORLD — SEE PHOTOS
The couple will likely explain their reasoning behind the decision when they sit down for a tell-all interview with pal Oprah Winfrey.
In the 90-minute special, airing March 7, the Suits actress will cover "everything from stepping into life as a Royal, marriage, motherhood, philanthropic work to how she is handling life under intense public pressure," a statement from CBS read, adding that Harry will then sit down with the ladies to chat "about their move to the United States and their future hopes and dreams for their expanding family."
