Buckingham Palace made the move after the couple confirmed they “will not be returning” as working royals. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped down as senior members of the Royal Family in March 2020 and moved to California.
However they were allowed to keep their royal patronages as part of a so-called Megxit transition period in case the couple wished to return to their former roles after 12 months.
Meghan and Harry’s response to losing these positions, delivered via a spokesperson, sparked royal outrage.
The last line which said “we can all live a life of service” was seen by many as a dig at the Queen’s decision to strip them of their royal patronages and military titles
Insiders accused the couple of being disrespectful with a close associate of the monarch described their comment as “petulant and insulting to the Queen”.
They told the Sunday Times: “Don’t disrespect your granny, Harry.”
A second royal insider warned: “You don’t answer the Queen back, it’s just not done.”
According to The Times “courtiers and other family members” were left “stunned by the tone of Harry and Meghan’s public response” to losing their patronages.
On Friday it was announced the couple had been stripped of their patronages, with Harry also being deprived of a number of honorary military positions.
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In a statement Buckingham Palace said: “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.
“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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As a result Meghan is no longer be royal patron of the National Theatre and Association of Commonwealth Universities.
Harry has lost his patronages of the Rugby Football Union, Rugby Football League and London Marathon.
He has also been stripped of his roles as Captain-General of the Royal Marines, Honorary Air Commandant of RAF Honington and Commodore-in-Chief, Small Ships and Diving, Naval Command.
However both royals will remain patrons of charities they agreed to support privately, or helped establish.
This means Harry will continue his role with the Invictus Games, which he launched he aid injured service personnel.
Meghan will maintain her involvement with Smart Works and Mayhew, an animal rescue charity.
Earlier this week the Sussexes’ announced Meghan is pregnant with a black and white photo being released to mark the occasion.
Their first child, Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, was born in May 2019.
