Buckingham Palace announced on Friday February 19 that Prince Harry, grandson of Elizabeth II, and his wife Meghan have lost their last official titles after confirming to the Queen their final withdrawal from the British royal family .
A Buckingham Palace statement on The Duke and Duchess of Sussex ➡️https: //t.co/nl7RiZmGiZ
- The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) February 19, 2021
Anxious to acquire their financial independence and to protect themselves from media pressure, the couple, who announced on February 14 to expect a second child, had caused a thunderclap last year by withdrawing from official life.
Effective since last April, this decision was to be reviewed after one year.
"The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have confirmed to Her Majesty the Queen that they will not become active members of the Royal Family again," the palace said in a statement.
"Following conversations with the Duke, the Queen wrote to confirm that by renouncing the job related to being a member of the Royal Family it is not possible to continue to carry out the responsibilities and duties inherent in a life at the service of the public, "he added.
The titles will therefore be returned and distributed among the other members of the family.
"Although everyone is saddened by their decision, the Duke and Duchess remain much loved members of the family," the palace stressed.
Harry, 36, will lose his military titles, especially in the Royal Marines to which he was very attached after having served in Afghanistan, as well as his representative function for the rugby federation.
Meghan Markle will lose her charitable patronages, especially at the National Theater in London.
"As their work over the past year has shown, the Duke and Duchess remain committed to their duty and service in the UK and the rest of the world, and have continued to support the organizations they represent , whatever their official role, "reacted a spokesperson for the couple.
Archie has an American accent
Prince Harry, 36, sixth in the order of succession to the British crown, has repeatedly denounced media pressure on his couple and made it the main reason for his withdrawal from the royal family.
The former American actress and the son of Diana, who died chased by paparazzi in 1997 in Paris, have since moved to California.
Harry and Meghan had also invoked their desire for financial independence.
They both signed several contracts with content platforms, including the American giant Netflix.
Critics have criticized them for seeking to profit from their membership in the royal family and their fame while refusing to take on the protocol aspects.
The couple put forward their willingness to work for humanitarian causes through their new foundation, Archwell, name inspired by that of their son.
Harry and Meghan also launched a podcast, in which Archie, seventh in succession to the British crown, addressed the public for the first time, revealing to the dismay of British media that the child has an accent American.
With AFP
The summary of the week
France 24 invites you to come back to the news that marked the week
I subscribe
Take international news everywhere with you!
Download the France 24 application
google-play-badge_FR