Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have decided to quit royal life to focus more on their family and charities. But just like most decisions, theirs also come with a price.
After their withdrawal announcement, the Palace released a statement saying that Queen Elizabeth and the rest of the Royal Family members support Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision. However, Her Majesty still has the last say before they go. The Queen allowed the couple to step back, but she gave them a couple of deals to follow.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will still be known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, but they can “no longer formally represent” Queen Elizabeth in their new lives. Also, the couple will not only lose their HRH titles, but Prince William’s brother will lose his military titles as well.
According to the book Finding Freedom, Meghan Markle felt outraged that Prince Harry was stripped of his honorary military titles. The Duchess of Sussex reportedly believes that the move is “so unnecessary.”
"'It was so unnecessary,’ Meghan later told a friend of the decision to strip Harry of his military honors.... 'The powers [of the institution] are unfortunately greater than me,’” authors Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand wrote.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams previously said that Prince Harry was deeply upset about losing his military titles. He, then, pointed out that the Duke of Sussex showed sadness during his Sentebale speech. The prince may have accepted Queen Elizabeth’s ultimatum, but it was a hard pill for him to swallow.
Richard Fitzwilliams added that, although it appears that Prince Harry is ready to move on from his senior royal obligations to being a non-working royal, he may miss his old life in the future. The Duke of Sussex is royal by birth, and being a prince had always been a part of him.
Despite their withdrawal, Prince Harry revealed that he and Meghan Markle still wish to serve Queen Elizabeth. Unfortunately for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Her Majesty declined their request.
After announcing their decision, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s website stated that they would “carve out a progressive new role” and “adjust their working model.” But, after their discussion with Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles, and Prince William, it was decided that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will completely withdraw from their roles.
