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January 15, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced that they are resigning as senior members of the Royal Family and instead working towards becoming financially independent. In a post on their respective Instagram, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said that they will continue “…to fully support Her Majesty The Queen.” Prince Harry and Meghan Markle intend to balance their time between the United Kingdom and North America to continue to allow Archie, their son, to understand the traditions of the Royal Family, as well as launching their independence from the Royal Family. Their departure has also been referred to as “Megxit,” which was a play on words referencing Brexit, the United Kingdom’s timely exit from the European Union.
A state from Her Majesty The Queen was then released January 18. In the statement, Her Majesty The Queen expressed her support of Harry and Meghan’s decision.
As part of them becoming independent, Harry and Meghan have announced their goals to repay constituents for renovations to their mansion, amongst other fees. However, Harry and Meghan will lose “His Royal Highness” and “Her Royal Highness,” but will retain their titles as Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The Royal Family also recommended that they refrain from using “royal,” which would have an impact on the couple’s branding, website and social media platforms, such as the couple’s Instagram account. They will also no longer be receiving a salary as senior employed royals.
The couple will no longer be participating in the Royal Rota, a group of members of the press that publicizes information about the Royal Family. Throughout their relationship, Harry and Meghan have expressed their disdain for the news media. After the couple announced their departure, press coverage on Prince William and Kate Middleton has also increased as the media shifts its focus from Harry and Meghan in light of their departure.
Most notably, Harry has blamed paparazzi for causing the death of Princess Diana. Additionally, Meghan has experienced legal issues with the news media. Recently, she filed a lawsuit against The Mail for publishing a letter that Meghan wrote to her father, Thomas Markle, with whom she has an estranged relationship.
Harry’s military titles, amongst other titles bestowed upon him by the Royal Family, will also be revoked as part of his and Meghan’s departure.
Despite their independence from the Royal Family, Harry will retain his position as sixth in line of succession to the Crown. In addition, Harry will continue to be involved in the Invictus Games, an international sports event for wounded, injured or sick personnel of the armed services, which was founded by Harry in 2014.
According to officials, the agreement will be revisited in spring of 2021. At such a date, the agreement could be revised.
As of March 9, Harry and Meghan participated in their final royal engagement to honor the British Commonwealth at Westminster Abbey. Throughout the event, Harry and Meghan barely spoke to William and Kate, as well as Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles.
Following the engagement, they will depart to western Canada to join their son.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s official duties as full-time employees of the Royal Family will seize as of March 31.
