The royal couple will be stepping away from public service

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle claimed they will be stepping down from their royal duties as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to focus on new ventures outside of the monarchy last January. The couple officially stepped down from their positions as “senior” royals in March and committing to reviewing their arrangement after 12 months.

After one year of living outside of the royal family, it seems Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will be making this a permanent change choosing to not return as working members of the Royal Family. The one-year departure of the couple from their royal titles gave them more time to work while becoming financially independent while raising their son Archie.

BREAKING: Meghan Markle and her husband Harry told the Queen they will not return as working members of the royal family. They will be stripped of honorary titles.

They stepped back from royal duties last year after racist and sexist attacks on Markle by the British media. pic.twitter.com/Dcnac8m9bc

— AJ+ (@ajplus) February 19, 2021

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle spent the last year dedicating their time to philanthropy efforts, parenting their young son Archie, and exploring ventures into entertainment projects. The couple also distanced themselves from the public to privately grieve the miscarriage of their expected second child.

Harry and Meghan will also be dedicating more time to their personal life as they recently announced Meghan’s pregnancy. As the couple is focusing on their personal lives away from the royal family, they will not be returning as working members of the royal family.

Buckingham Palace has confirmed the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will not be continuing with the duties and responsibilities of a life of public service. A statement from the palace indicates the Queen wants Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to know they remain loved members of the family.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Surprise Texas Women's Shelter Damaged in Winter Storm​ https://t.co/RZwziL5VNq

— People (@people) February 22, 2021

The confirmation of this change in the royal family will result in Prince Harry and Meghan returning their royal patronages and honorary military appointments to be redistributed to working members of the Royal Family. The couple has already returned their royal titles as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex when they stepped down from their duties in January 2020.

Prince Harry will retain his title of prince, having been born into the title under the royal birthright. The Queen maintains that she is sad over the decision but supports the young couple that will always be apart of the family regardless of their official role.