Prince Harry and his wife Meghan have given up their royal funds and their “highness” titles, Buckingham Palace announced on Saturday.
An official statement read: “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are grateful to Her Majesty and the Royal Family for their ongoing support as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.
“As agreed in this new arrangement, they understand that they are required to step back from Royal duties, including official military appointments. They will no longer receive public funds for Royal duties.”
The statement continued: “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have shared their wish to repay Sovereign Grant expenditure for the refurbishment of Frogmore Cottage, which will remain their UK family home.
The couple will maintain their private patronages and associations with the Queen’s blessing, but they can no longer formally represent the Queen.
BLESSING: Queen Elizabeth II with the couple. Picture: AP
Queen Elizabeth II, said in a statement:
“Following many months of conversations and more recent discussions, I am pleased that together we have found a constructive and supportive way forward for my grandson and his family.
“Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved members of my family.
“I recognise the challenges they have experienced as a result of intense scrutiny over the last two years and support their wish for a more independent life.
“I want to thank them for all their dedicated work across this country, the Commonwealth and beyond, and am particularly proud of how Meghan has so quickly become one of the family.
“It is my whole family’s hope that today’s agreement allows them to start building a happy and peaceful new life.”
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A post shared by Queen Elizabeth II UK 🇬🇧(@queenelizabethiiuk) on Jan 19, 2020 at 3:47am PST
Harry, 35, and Meghan, 38, sparked a crisis in the British monarchy this month by announcing they wanted to stand down from their royal duties and spend more time in North America, while also becoming financially independent.