Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have released additional information on their official Sussex Royal website, as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.
Back in January, the couple released a statement saying that they “intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent”.
In mid-February, the palace announced that the transition period would begin on March 31 2020 and will be under review for a year.
And now, the couple has shared an in-depth look at what this would look like, including Prince Harry keeping his place as sixth in line to the throne.
“We are pleased to now be able to share with you an update on many of the details agreed at a meeting of The Royal Family in January 2020, which outlines The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s new roles, taking effect Spring 2020,” a statement on the website read.
According to the outline, Harry and Meghan will still remain “a valued part of Her Majesty’s family”, however, their need for a more independent life as a family, removed “the supposed ‘public interest’ justification for media intrusion into their lives.”
They will become “privately funded members of The Royal Family with permission to earn their own income and the ability to pursue their own private charitable interests.”
“Per the agreement, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex understand that they are required to step back from Royal duties and not undertake representative duties on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen.”
However, as “he is the grandson of Her Majesty and the second son of The Prince of Wales”, Prince Harry, will remain sixth in line to the throne of The British Monarchy with the “Order of Precedence” being “unchanged”.
When it comes to their “His and Her Royal Highness” titles, Harry and Meghan will still be “formally remaining known as His Royal Highness The Duke of Sussex and Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex,” however, they will no longer actively use their HRH titles as they will not be working members of the family.
It was also agreed that use of the word ‘Royal’ would “need to be reviewed as it pertains to organisations associated with them in this new regard” and that their new non-profit initiative “will not utilise the name ‘Sussex Royal’ or any other iteration of ‘Royal.’”
While not many details were shared due to “classified information for safety reasons”, the couple will continue to “require effective security to protect them and their son”, Archie.
“This is based on the Duke’s public profile by virtue of being born into the Royal Family, his military service, the Duchess’ own independent profile, and the shared threat and risk level documented specifically over the last few years.”
In February, reports that Harry and Meghan had “let go” of their staff members circulated, and now, new details have been shared on the matter.
“It was decided in January that their Institutional Office would have to be closed, given the primary funding mechanism for this official office at Buckingham Palace is from HRH The Prince of Wales.”
According to the statement, the couple personally shared the news with their team in January “once they knew of the decision, and have worked closely with their staff to ensure a smooth transition for each of them.”
“Over the last month and a half, the Duke and Duchess have remained actively involved in this process, which has understandably been a saddening for the Duke and Duchess and their loyal staff, given the closeness of their Royal Highnesses and their dedicated team.”
Concluding the statement, which can be read in full here, “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex continue to develop their non-profit organisation and plan for their future, we hope that you use this site as the source for factual information. In Spring 2020, their digital channels will be refreshed as they introduce the next exciting phase to you.
“The Duke and Duchess of Sussex eagerly await the opportunity to share more with you and greatly appreciate your support!”
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