The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have agreed with Queen Elizabeth II that they will officially not be returning as working members of the royal family.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who left their full-time work in March of last year – will be stripped of their honorary military appointments and royal patronages and will be redistributed among the remaining senior members of the British royalty.
“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 Buckingham Palace announced in a statement.
“While all are saddened by their decision, The Duke and Duchess remain much loved members of the family.”
The spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said that the pair “remain 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.”
Since stepping down from their duties, the Sussexes have signed deal to produce podcasts for Spotify, and signed a multi-year production deal with Netflix.
The pair are also due to appear on Oprah for a tell-all interview on March 7.
However, palace sources say that the Queen views that members of the royal family can’t be “half in, half out” — that is, representing the Queen and the U.K. while also pursuing personal financial goals.
Now that the couple will no longer represent the Queen, they will be able to speak more freely in the interview.
Harry and Meghan will retain their titles as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and the prince remains the sixth in line to the British throne.