‘Service is universal’ — Harry, Meghan confirm they won’t return to royal roles

BY AYODELE OLUWAFEMI

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, will not return as working members of the British royal family, Buckingham Palace announced Friday.

After speaking with Harry, Queen Elizabeth II confirmed that the couple will not “continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service.”

“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 palace said in a statement.

The palace noted that although the royal family is “saddened” by the decision of the couple, they remain “much-loved members of the family”.

Reacting to the new development, a spokesperson for Harry and Meghan said they remained “committed to their duty and service to the U.K. and around the world, and have offered their continued support to the organizations they have represented regardless of official role.

“We can all live a life of service. Service is universal.”

The new development also means that the couple will return their honorary military appointments and royal patronages, which will be redistributed to working members of the Royal Family.

In January 2020, the couple had announced their intention to step back from their position as senior royals.

“After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution,” they had said in a statement.