By Isha Sesay • Published: 18 Jan 2020 • 19:42
Africa's richest woman faces charges of fraud and embezzlement
BUCKINGHAM PALACE has confirmed that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will no longer use their HRH titles and will not receive public funds for royal duties. By giving up their titles, the couple will also no longer formally represent The Queen.
It is also reported that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have said they intend to repay the money for the refurbishment of Frogmore Cottage which will remain as their UK family home.
Today’s announcement (January 18) has come after royal aides thrashed out plans for the couple since they made a public declaration to state that they wanted to step back as senior royals.
Buckingham Palace has released a statement which said:
“The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are grateful to Her Majesty and the Royal Family for their ongoing support as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.
“As agreed in this new arrangement, they understand that they are required to step back from Royal duties, including official military appointments.
“They will no longer receive public funds for Royal duties. With The Queen’s blessing, the Sussexes will continue to maintain their private patronages and associations.
“While they can no longer formally represent The Queen, the Sussexes have made clear that everything they do will continue to uphold the values of Her Majesty.
“The Sussexes will not use their HRH titles as they are no longer working members of the Royal Family.
“The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have shared their wish to repay Sovereign Grant expenditure for the refurbishment of Frogmore Cottage, which will remain their UK family home. Buckingham Palace does not comment on the details of security arrangements.
“There are well established independent processes to determine the need for publicly funded security. This new model will take effect in the Spring of 2020.”
The Queen has also released a statement which read:
“Following many months of conversations and more recent discussions, I am pleased that together we have found a constructive and supportive way forward for my grandson and his family.
“Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved members of my family.
“I recognise the challenges they have experienced as a result of intense scrutiny over the last two years and support their wish for a more independent life.
“I want to thank them for all their dedicated work across this country, the Commonwealth and beyond, and am particularly proud of how Meghan has so quickly become one of the family.
“It is my whole family’s hope that today’s agreement allows them to start building a happy and peaceful new life.”
It is not yet clear if Harry and Meghan will be able to keep their ‘SussexRoyal’ branding or if they will attend any more formal family events. In addition, the palace has said that they will not comment on what the future security arrangements for the couple will be.
HRH is an abbreviation for His Royal Highness or Her Royal Highness and is used to address or refer to members of the royal family.
Euro Weekly News will update this breaking news story as and when we receive further information.
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