Statement from Her Majesty The Queen

Published

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 Countess of Wessex’s speech at an event to celebrate International Women’s Day in Juba, South Sudan

May I thank the people of South Sudan for the warmth of your welcome and I wish you well as you move away from the darkness of conflict towards the light of opportunity

06 March 2020

A Speech by The Duke of Cambridge at the Museum of Literature, Dublin

Today, our relationship goes far beyond two countries that are simply neighbours. “We are firm friends and equal partners”, as my grandmother put it.

04 March 2020

A speech by The Duchess of Cambridge at a SportsAid event, London Stadium

You may not always feel appreciated, or sometimes even noticed on the sidelines, in the car park or sitting high in the stands. But I am so proud that SportsAid recognises how...

26 February 2020
News

The Queen visits MI5

25 February 2020

The Queen's remarks during her visit to MI5

Because of the nature of your work, it is without public recognition, so it is on behalf of the country that I say to you all, thank you.

25 February 2020
Press release 24 February 2020

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will visit Ireland

Read more

A speech by The Duke of Cambridge at a reception for the Metropolitan and City Police Orphans Fund

Our society is defined by how we look after those who keep us all safe. It matters deeply that we help the families who play such an important role in supporting them.

12 February 2020
Press release 07 February 2020

The wedding of Princess Beatrice and Mr. Mapelli Mozzi

Read more

A speech by The Duke of Cambridge at the UK-Africa Investment Summit

Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen. On behalf of Her Majesty The Queen, Catherine and I are delighted to welcome you to Buckingham Palace for this reception to mark the...

20 January 2020
Press release 20 January 2020

The Countess of Wessex will visit Sierra Leone

Read more
Press release 13 January 2020

A statement from Her Majesty The Queen

Read more

A message from The Duke of Cambridge to the people of Oman

I offer my heartfelt condolences to the Omani people, and wish to send a personal message of friendship as Oman mourns the death of His Majesty.

11 January 2020
Press release 04 January 2020

The Queen's message of condolence to all Australians

Read more

The Queen’s Christmas Broadcast 2019

As a child, I never imagined that one day a man would walk on the moon. Yet this year we marked the fiftieth anniversary of the famous Apollo 11 mission. As those historic...

23 December 2019