The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will lose their military appointments and royal patronages, which will be devastating for Harry, who has always had a deep sense of connection to the military. The couple responded to the initial Palace statement with their own comment about the 12-month review. It read: “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 organisations they have represented regardless of official role. We can all live a life of service. Service is universal.”
The subtle clue indicating that this was written by Harry and not Meghan is the British English spelling of “organisation” over the American English alternative “organization”.
Royal expert Emily Andrews claimed the Sussexes’ statement came across rather “resentful” and “bitter” in its tone.
She contrasted it to the Royal Family’s which spoke of “sadness” and described Meghan and Harry as “much-loved” family members.
She wrote: “Once again the difference between the Royal Family’s statement and Harry and Meghan’s is telling.
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“Buckingham Palace talks of sadness, it’s Harry and Meghan’s decision and will remain much-loved family members (Royal Family desperate not to seem vindictive).
“Harry and Meghan: rather resentful and bitter tone. But saying they don’t need royalty to serve.”
She added: “Harry and Meghan are also rather disingenuous. Yes, they wanted their freedom but they wanted commercial freedom.
“To earn their own money (and if we’re honest, profiting from an ancient birthright/marriage).
“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.”
Meghan and Harry announced their decision to step down as senior royals in January 2020, leaving their roles at the end of March last year.
They spent a brief period of time in Canada before moving to the US and buying a home in Montecito.
In their initial statement regarding their exit, the couple said they would work towards “financial independence” and they have done just that.
The couple have signed a huge deal with Netflix estimated to be worth around £100million and another lucrative deal with Spotify believed to be worth around £30million.
They have also repaid the contentious £2.4million of taxpayers’ money they used to renovate their Frogmore Cottage house in Windsor.
The couple are expecting their second child this year.
