More than a year on from their decision to step back from their position as “senior” members of the royal family, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have committed to their decision to pursue independent roles while living in their adopted home of Montecito, California. “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have confirmed to Her Majesty The Queen that they will not be returning as working members of the royal family,” Buckingham Palace revealed in a statement on 19 February.
“Following conversations with the Duke, the Queen has written confirming that in stepping away from the work of the royal family it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service,” the message continued. “The honorary military appointments and royal patronages held by the Duke and Duchess will therefore be returned to Her Majesty, before being redistributed among working members of the royal family. While all are saddened by their decision, the Duke and Duchess remain much-loved members of the family.”
Specifically, Harry and Meghan will be replaced as the president and vice-president of the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, with the Duke stepping down as captain general of the Royal Marines and the Duchess no longer acting as the royal patron to the National Theatre and the Association of Commonwealth Universities. However, the couple will retain their “private” patronages, including The Invictus Games, African Parks, and Sentebale for…
