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:
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The couple would no longer be working royals
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They would not receive public funds for royal duties
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They would no longer use their HRH styles in an official capacity
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They would divide their time between the UK and North America
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:
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Their honorary military roles and royal patronages would be returned to the monarch
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They would remain much-loved members of the family
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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:
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The Royal Marines
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The RAF
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The Royal Navy
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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.
Their Current Status: Private Individuals With Royal Titles
Today, Prince Harry and Meghan are widely described by reputable outlets as private individuals who retain royal titles but do not represent the monarch.
They are not included in the list of “working royals” who carry out official duties on behalf of King Charles III. That group primarily consists of:
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King Charles III and Queen Camilla
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The Prince and Princess of Wales
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Princess Anne
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The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh
This structure reflects King Charles’s publicly stated vision of a “slimmed-down monarchy,” a concept he supported even before becoming monarch. This approach has been reported in long-form analysis by BBC News and Reuters.
Media Projects and Public Criticism
Since relocating to the United States, the Sussexes have pursued careers in:
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Media production (Netflix projects)
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Podcasting (including a Spotify deal that ended in 2023)
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Publishing (including Prince Harry’s memoir Spare)
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Philanthropy through the Archewell Foundation
These activities are matters of public record.
Their media projects have included criticism of certain aspects of royal life and media treatment. However, reputable reporting makes an important distinction: while the projects generated public debate, there is no official statement from Buckingham Palace confirming any permanent personal estrangement.
Statements from the Palace have consistently emphasized family ties, even when acknowledging disagreements.
Relationship With the Royal Family: What Is Known
It is widely reported that relationships between the Sussexes and other senior royals have been strained at times. However, responsible reporting avoids presenting this as definitive or permanent.
Confirmed facts include:
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Prince Harry attended the coronation of King Charles III in May 2023
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He has returned to the UK for court hearings and specific events
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Buckingham Palace has continued to refer to the Sussexes as family members in official communications
Beyond this, claims about internal family dynamics largely come from unnamed sources or commentary and therefore cannot be treated as verified fact.
How the Monarchy Has Adapted
What can be confirmed is that the monarchy has continued its work without the Sussexes as working members. Official engagements, charitable patronages, and national duties have been carried out by other senior royals.
According to data published in the Court Circular and reported by BBC News, members such as:
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Princess Anne
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The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh
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The Prince and Princess of Wales
have taken on a significant share of public engagements.
This demonstrates an institutional adjustment rather than a personal judgment.
A Structural Change, Not a Narrative of Exile
When examined through verified facts, the Sussexes’ situation is best understood as:
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A formal change in professional role
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A shift from public service within the monarchy to private life
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A redefinition of responsibilities rather than a punitive exclusion
They remain members of the Royal Family by law and lineage. They are no longer representatives of the monarch. Both of these facts coexist.
This distinction is essential for accuracy and for compliance with responsible editorial standards.
Conclusion: What Has Actually Been Confirmed
Based on official Palace statements and reputable reporting:
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Prince Harry and Meghan are no longer working royals
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They no longer use HRH styles for official purposes
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They no longer hold royal patronages or honorary military roles
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They no longer reside in Crown-provided UK accommodation
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They retain their titles and remain family members
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The monarchy continues to function with a smaller group of working royals
Beyond these points, claims about permanent emotional rupture, deliberate exclusion, or internal motivations are matters of opinion rather than confirmed fact.