Since announcing their decision to step back from royal duties in January 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have undergone a major change in their relationship with the British monarchy. While public commentary often frames the situation in dramatic terms, the confirmed reality is more structured and procedural than emotional.

Based on official statements from Buckingham Palace and consistent reporting by reputable outlets such as BBC News, Reuters, and the Associated Press, the Sussexes are no longer working members of the Royal Family. However, they remain family members and retain their titles. This article outlines what has been formally confirmed, what has changed, and how the monarchy has adapted.

The Decision to Step Back in 2020

On 8 January 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan announced via their official channels that they intended to step back as senior working royals and seek financial independence. Buckingham Palace confirmed shortly afterward that discussions would take place regarding the terms of this new arrangement.

Following meetings at Sandringham later that month, Queen Elizabeth II issued an official statement confirming that:

This agreement is commonly referred to in reputable media as the Sandringham Agreement.

These developments are documented by BBC News (January 2020) and remain the formal basis of their status.

The End of the One-Year Review Period

The agreement initially included a 12-month review period. In February 2021, Buckingham Palace confirmed that Prince Harry and Meghan would not return as working members of the Royal Family.

In an official statement quoted by BBC News and Reuters, the Palace confirmed that:

• Their honorary military roles and royal patronages would be returned to the monarch
• They would remain much-loved members of the family
• Their decision to pursue independent lives had been accepted

This announcement marked a clear structural change: the couple’s professional role within the monarchy had formally ended.

Titles and the Use of “HRH”

Prince Harry remains a prince of the United Kingdom by birth. Meghan remains the Duchess of Sussex by marriage. These titles have not been removed.

However, according to Buckingham Palace’s 2020 statement, the couple agreed that they would no longer use the style “His/Her Royal Highness” in any official or commercial capacity.

This remains the current official position and has been consistently reported by BBC, Reuters, and AP News.

Patronages and Military Appointments

In February 2021, Buckingham Palace confirmed that Prince Harry’s honorary military appointments and the couple’s royal patronages were formally returned to the Queen.

This included roles connected to organizations such as:

• The Royal Marines
• The RAF
• The Royal Navy
• Various charitable organizations previously supported in an official capacity

The Palace clarified that these roles require active service on behalf of the monarch, which is no longer applicable to the Sussexes.

This decision was reported by BBC News and The Guardian based on official Palace communications.

Frogmore Cottage and UK Residence

Prince Harry and Meghan were previously granted the use of Frogmore Cottage, located on the Windsor estate, as their UK residence.

In 2023, it was widely reported by BBC News, Reuters, and The Telegraph that they were asked to vacate the property. Buckingham Palace did not provide extensive public comment but confirmed that the residence would no longer be used by the Sussexes.

This change means the couple currently does not maintain an official UK residence provided by the Crown.