The Queen Announces It Is 'Not Possible' For Harry And Meghan To Return To The Royal Family

Buckingham Palace has confirmed that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will not be returning as working members of the royal family.

After conversations with the Queen, the palace has confirmed that any honorary military appointments and royal patronages will be returned to the monarch herself.

"The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have confirmed to Her Majesty The Queen that they will not be returning as working members of The Royal Family," the statement said.

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"Following conversations with The Duke, The Queen has written confirming that in stepping away from the work of The Royal Family it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service.

"The honorary military appointments and Royal patronages held by The Duke and Duchess will therefore be returned to Her Majesty, before being redistributed among working members of The Royal Family.

"While all are saddened by their decision, The Duke and Duchess remain much loved members of the family."

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When the Duke and Duchess stepped away as working royals last year, a 12-month review was agreed.

Buckingham Palace has now confirmed that the military, Commonwealth and charitable associations which will revert to back to the Queen are: The Royal Marines, RAF Honington; Royal Navy Small Ships and Diving; The Queen's Commonwealth Trust; The Rugby Football Union; The Rugby Football League; The Royal National Theatre and The Association of Commonwealth Universities.

A spokesperson for Meghan and Harry said: "As evidenced by their work over the past year, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain committed to their duty and service to the UK and around the world, and have offered their continued support to the organisations they have represented regardless of official role.

"We can all live a life of service. Service is universal."

Earlier this week, Meghan and Harry confirmed they are expecting their second child.

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In a joint statement, the couple said: "We can confirm that Archie is going to be a big brother. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are overjoyed to be expecting their second child."

It comes after Meghan revealed she had tragically suffered a miscarriage in July 2020.

The couple welcomed their first born, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, on 6th May 2019. It's not yet known how far along the Duchess is, or when the new royal will be born.

Topics: UK News, News, Royal, Royal Family, Meghan Markle

Lucy Devine

Lucy is a journalist working for Tyla. After graduating with a master's degree in journalism, she has worked in both print and online and is particularly interested in fashion, food, health and women's issues. Northerner, coffee addict, says hun a lot. Get in touch at [email protected].

@lucedevine