Meghan and Prince Harry have started their new lives in California and are stepping into the world of show-business by becoming TV producers for Netflix. However, the freedom they have achieved over the past few months isn’t entirely set in stone, a royal expert said.
Speaking about the Sussexes’ news lives and freedom, Richard Fitzwilliams told Express.co.uk: “It is important to bear in mind that Harry and Meghan are a unique case.
“They are non-working royals, provided the arrangement which the Queen brokered at Sandringham is renewed before the end of next March.”
Meghan and Harry announced their intention to step back as senior royals in early January.
After having shared their bombshell statement on Instagram and a newly-launched website, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex entered talks with senior aides, Prince Charles, Prince William and the Queen to draft the terms of their exit.
Despite their desire to continue to represent the Crown and the Queen around the world, Meghan and Harry agreed during a summit in Norfolk to relinquish their rights to carry out royal duties.
The Sussexes were also barred from using their HRH styles – while retaining their full titles.
By stepping down as full-time working royals, Meghan and Harry acquired the rights to pursue financially profitable ventures as well as live abroad with their son Archie Harrison.
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However, as confirmed in February, the terms of the so-called Megxit agreement were subjected to a 12-month review.
A source said at the time: “The Royal Family and Sussexes have agreed to an initial 12-month review to ensure the arrangement works for all parties”.
Meghan and Harry confirmed a 12-month transition period was in place.
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Publishing a lengthy explanation of the terms agreed with the palace on SussexRoyal.com, Meghan and Harry said: “While there is precedent for other titled members of the Royal Family to seek employment outside of the institution, for The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, a 12-month review period has been put in place.”
This transition period has been perceived by many royal commentators as a mean for the Queen to keep the door of the palace open should the Duke and Duchess of Sussex regret their move.
Rather than stripping Prince Harry of his honorary titles, the Queen has decided to prevent him from using them but to wait until March next year to appoint a replacement.
Meghan and Harry said on their website: “In relation to the military, The Duke of Sussex will retain the rank of Major, and honorary ranks of Lieutenant Commander, and Squadron Leader.
“During this 12-month period of review, The Duke’s official military appointments will not be used as they are in the gift of the Sovereign.
“No new appointments will be made to fill these roles before the 12-month review of the new arrangements is completed.”
However, this review had also been deemed useful by the palace to verify “what’s working and what’s not working”.
A palace source told the Daily Telegraph in February: “The point of the 12-month review is that the family wants the best for them and everyone recognises this is uncharted territory.
“Rather than do something finite, this is a pragmatic family conversation about what’s working and what’s perhaps not working.”
