Believe it or not, today marks Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s last day as official working members of the royal family.
Now, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are moving on and starting a new life in America with their nearly 1-year-old son, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor. So how will their lives all change? Here, seven major ways things are about to shift for Meghan and Harry.
Although they initially intended to continue their use of their Sussex Royal brand, Queen Elizabeth has asked the couple to not use the word “royal” in association with their forthcoming endeavors (including their non-profit, Instagram or website).
Like the word “royal,” Meghan and Harry will no longer retain their “His and Her Royal Highness” titles, since they aren’t working members of the royal family. They will, however, keep their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles, as well as their Earl and Countess of Dumbarton and Baron and Baroness Kilkeel monikers, which they use while in Scotland and Northern Ireland, respectively. Prince Harry will remain the sixth in the royal line of succession, behind Prince Charles, Prince William, Prince George (6), Princess Charlotte (4) and Prince Louis (1) and will also continue to hold onto his military titles, Major, Lieutenant Commander and Squadron Leader for at least a 12-month period.
At the outset of their announcement that they’d be stepping down, the couple said they hoped to continue to represent Queen Elizabeth. But, it’s been clarified that the duke and duchess will not be called upon to undertake representative duties on behalf of Her Majesty or the Commonwealth. They will, however, keep their assigned patronages and will aim to uphold the 93-year-old queen’s values.
The couple reportedly has left their temporary home on Vancouver Island, Canada, and is now setting up a new residence in Los Angeles. They apparently hope to settle in Malibu, but are staying in a private compound for the time being.
Once supported by the Sovereign Grant from taxpayers and Prince Charles’s Duchy of Cornwall, the duke and duchess are now on their own financially. They intend to pursue private philanthropic efforts as well as speaking engagements (and maybe some acting gigs for Markle) in order to support their family.
Harry and Meghan have made their plans to start their own non-profit organization known. According to a previous statement, they will continue to champion the efforts close to their heart. The foundation is expected to launch later this year.
In anticipation of their decoupling from the Sussex Royal brand, the couple said goodbye to their Instagram followers yesterday in an emotional post. They thanked their community for “the support, the inspiration and the shared commitment to the good in the world” and simply signed their note, “Harry & Meghan.”
Needless to say, we’re curious to see where they go from here.
