Statement from Her Majesty The Queen

Published 18/01/2020

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.

ENDS

Statement from Buckingham Palace

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.

ENDS

Related content

The King's speech at at Government House, Bermuda

Returning to Bermuda on this occasion has been a particular joy, and especially to celebrate anew all those who have contributed to its history, and those now shaping its...

01 May 2026

A speech by The King on the Presentation of New Colours to the Royal Marines, Windsor Castle

It is most heartening to see the representatives of some of our oldest and closest international allies and partners present on this very special occasion. I can only pray...

05 June 2026

The King's remarks at the Gurkha Artillery Formation Parade, Larkhill

This occasion marks not simply the union of two distinguished institutions, but a powerful reaffirmation of the enduring and deeply valued relationship between the United...

04 June 2026

A speech by The Queen at the Founder's Day Parade, Royal Hospital Chelsea

You offer care, camaraderie and community to those men and women who have served our nation, while always upholding the highest of standards.

04 June 2026

Remarks by The King at 'A King's Trust Celebration' at the Royal Albert Hall

You'll all make a huge difference to this country and many others.

18 May 2026
News

The King visits Bermuda

01 May 2026
The King in Bermuda

A speech by His Majesty The King at the White House State Dinner, Washington

Tonight, we are here to renew an indispensable alliance which has long been a cornerstone of prosperity and security for both British and American citizens. Our people have...

29 April 2026

The King’s Address to the Joint Meeting of Congress in Washington

The Alliance that our two Nations have built over the centuries – and for which we are profoundly grateful to the American people – is truly unique.

28 April 2026

The King’s message to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth’s ‘promise with destiny kept’ shaped the world around her and touched the lives of countless people across our nation, the Commonwealth and beyond.

20 April 2026

The King's letter to Colonel Jeremy Hansen ahead of the launch of the Artemis II mission

It is with immense pride and a profound sense of shared purpose that I write to you as you prepare to embark upon the Artemis II mission.

31 March 2026

A Speech by The Queen at a Literary Reception to mark the fifth anniversary of Her Majesty's Reading Room

I find it hard to believe that it is five years since I founded it, at the height of lockdown, with the simple aim of sharing my lifelong conviction that books make life...

25 March 2026
News

Royal Maundy 2026

02 April 2026
Royal Maundy 2026

The King's speech at the Nigeria State Banquet

We in the United Kingdom are blessed that so many people of Nigerian heritage, having chosen Britain as their home, are now at the heart of British life through excelling at...

18 March 2026

The Queen's speech at a WOW reception to mark International Women's Day

Every woman has a story. And these stories must be told. Because when we live in a culture of silence, we empower violence against women and girls.

10 March 2026
News

Commonwealth Day 2026

12 March 2026
Members of The Royal Family attend The Queen Elizabeth Prizes for Education

The King's Commonwealth Day Message 2026

Working together, we can ensure that the Commonwealth continues to stand as a force for good – grounded in community, committed to the kind of restorative sustainability that...

08 March 2026