Harry, Meghan drop their royal titles repay £2.4 mln
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex dropped their HRH titles and will repay £2.4 million of taxpayers’ money spent on renovating their Berkshire home, the couple have announced, as talks about their future roles concluded.
The Queen 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.”
Buckingham Palace said under the new arrangement agreed with Harry and Meghan they are “required to step back from royal duties” and will no longer receive public funds for royal duties, adding: “This new model will take effect in the Spring of 2020.”
A full statement from Her Majesty The Queen, released on Saturday, said: “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.”
