Harry, Meghan to split from royal family on March 31

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, his wife, will no longer carry out duties on behalf of the Queen as from March 31, a spokeswoman for the couple said on Wednesday.

The duke and duchess of Sussex will however embark on a new chapter in North America, with reports saying that they “will be in the United Kingdom regularly”.

It is believed that the couple will also return to the UK later this month to carry out their final official engagements before they step down as senior members of the royal family.

Harry and Meghan are also expected to attend other strings of events including the commonwealth day service on March 9.

In April, Harry is billed to attend the London marathon as a patron before the couple will depart for the Invictus games in the Netherlands in May.

The couple would consequently retain their royal titles but only on honorary basis, the spokesperson said. They would also be dispossessed of their office at Buckingham Palace.

According to the spokesperson, Harry will retain the ranks of major, lieutenant commander, and squadron leader but his honorary military positions will be suspended. The roles will not be filled by anyone else during the 12-month review period.

The spokesperson noted the couple would spend a huge chunk of their time outside the royal family on their newly established non-profit organisation.

The charitable organisation is expected to further advance the couple’s earlier focus on commonwealth, community, youth empowerment and mental health.

The new development comes weeks after the couple announced their resignation as senior royals to pursue financial independence in January — a move that stirred heated controversies.

The couple were subsequently stripped of their royal titles, with the royal family also announcing it was “hurt” by their decision.

Harry had in his first public speech after the development said the couple had “no other option” but to step down from their royal family duties.