Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Won't "Formally Represent" Queen Elizabeth Going Forward
When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their decision to step back from their roles as senior royals—and live part-time in Canada—a flood of logistical questions followed. And today, after a week and a half of speculation and discussions amongst their fellow royal family members, some of the details have been cleared up.
Queen Elizabeth has issued a personal statement, alongside a more formal announcement from Buckingham Palace. In the latter, it was revealed that Harry and Meghan "can no longer formally represent The Queen."
The couple—now known as "The Duke and Duchess of Sussex," sans the "HRH"—will continue some of the charity work they've been engaged with. "The Sussexes will continue to maintain their private patronages and associations," the statement notes. And while they can't "formally represent" the Queen, "the Sussexes have made clear that everything they do will continue to uphold the values of Her Majesty."
This is in contrast to what Harry and Meghan had outlined on their website, Sussexroyal.com, which was launched when they revealed they'd pursue a different "working model." On the site (which now has a disclaimer, noting that it will be updated to reflect today's announcement from the Palace), it says that Harry and Meghan "will continue to proudly do so by supporting their patronages and carrying out works for The Monarchy within the UK or abroad, as called upon."
While they are keeping their patronages, they won't be carrying out works for the monarchy—and that includes undertaking any future royal tours on behalf of the Queen. (Royal tours are the extended trips royals often go on, with itineraries full of visits to charity organizations, receptions with foreign dignitaries, and greeting crowds of fans. Harry and Meghan have had tours in Southern Africa and Oceania in the past couple years.)
However, this won't all take effect immediately. According to royal reporter Emily Andrews, until the spring, Harry and Meghan will continue to take part in royal engagements—events and visits that are, be definition, undertaken by a royal family member on behalf of the Queen. In order to do so, Meghan, who has been staying in Canada, will return to England in due course.
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