Buckingham Palace announced on Friday morning that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will no longer serve as working members of the royal family, who are expecting their second child together.
“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 statement read, adding that the honorary military appointments of the couple and royal patronages would be returned to be redistributed to Queen Elizabeth II.
The statement continued with, “While all are saddened by their decision, The Duke and Duchess remain much loved members of the family.”
The Queen agreed to a 12-month examination when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex first moved away from the royal family. After consultations between 36-year-old Prince Harry and other members of the royal family, the decision was then made.
“A spokesman for Prince Harry and Markle, 39, added after the announcement: “As shown by their work over the past year, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain committed to their duty and service to the United Kingdom And around the world, and gave their continued support, irrespective of their official position, to the organisations they served. We should all live a life of service. Service is universal.’
The Royal Marines, RAF Honington, Royal Navy Small Ships and Diving, The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, The Rugby Football Union, The Rugby Football League, The Royal National Theatre and The Association of Commonwealth Universities are the military, commonwealth and charitable organisations that will return to the Queen.
The announcement comes after CBS announced that the Sussexes will sit down for a 90-minute interview with Oprah Winfrey, which was a “cause for concern” for the royal family, especially Prince William, a royal insider told Page Six.
One source underscored to that the couple’s conversation with Winfrey has the potential to turn volatile — as the seasoned host’s best friend, Gayle King, shared that “nothing is off limits.”
The source said, “Tom [Bradby] had, like, 10 minutes with Harry and Meghan.” Oprah’s got 90 minutes… can you imagine what she’s going to do with it? ”
