Photo: Phil Noble - Pool/Getty
Meghan MarkleandPrince Harrymay have left royal life behind, but they still have many connections to the monarchy.
Meghan and Harry made modern royal history when they announced they werestepping backfrom their royal roles in January 2020. The couple said in a statement they intended to “carve out a progressive new role within this institution” and divide their time between the U.K. and North America with their son,Prince Archie. The Sussexes said they would continue to supportQueen Elizabethwhile working to become “financially independent.”
After a family discussion that became famed as theSandringham Summitand ayear-long periodof transition,Buckingham Palace announcedin February 2021 that “the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have confirmed to Her Majesty The Queen that they will not be returning as working members of the Royal Family.”
Prince Harry, 38, and Meghan, 41, have since established a new life in California, from welcoming daughterPrincess Lilibetin June 2021 to expanding their charitableArchewell Foundationand pursuing other projects. Read on for everything you need to know about their royal status now.
Do Prince Harry and Meghan Still Have Royal Titles?
AfterPrince Harryand Meghan announced their step back in January 2020,Buckingham Palacesaid they wouldno longer use their HRH(His/Her Royal Highness) titles, as they were no longer working members of the royal family. However, they did retain the titles.
Since they decided to step back as working members of the royal family, the couple have often introduced themselves assimply “Harry"and"Meghan.”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at Commonwealth Day 2020.Chris Jackson/Getty
Did Prince Harry Keep His Place in the Line of Succession?
Yes. Whenrespondingto the news of their decision,Queen Elizabethstressed that Harry, Meghan and Archie (Lilibet wasn’t born yet) “will always be much loved members of my family” — and that extends to theline of succession.
Prince Harry is currently fifth in line to the throne behind his older brother,Prince William, and the Prince of Wales' three children with wifeKate Middleton—Prince George, 9,Princess Charlotte, 7, andPrince Louis, 4.
When Did Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet Start Using Their Royal Titles?
Prince Harryand Meghanfirst referredto their children’s royal titles while confirming the news of their daughter’sMarch 3 christeningin California exclusively to PEOPLE. Courtiers also nearly immediately updated the line of succession on the Royal Family website, where the kids were previously styled as “Master Archie Mountbatten-Windsor” and “Miss Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor.” They are now listed as “Prince Archie of Sussex” and “Princess Lilibet of Sussex.”
Netflix; Misan Harriman
Upon the death ofQueen Elizabethin September, Harry’s father became King Charles — and as grandchildren of the monarch, Archie and Liliwere afforded the titles of prince and princess.
PEOPLE understands that the titles will be used in formal settings and not in everyday use. It remains unclear if Archie and Lilibet also inherited HRH titles.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with their children, Princess Lilibet and Prince Archie.Netflix/Youtube
Do Prince Harry and Meghan carry out any royal duties?
No. In 2021 when it was confirmed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex wouldn’t return to their royal roles, theylost their patronages(their royal involvement with numerous U.K. charities).
Prince Harryalso lost his honorary military appointments.
In their own statement about the news,Prince Harryand Meghan’s office 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,” the statement read.
Theyannounced their Archewell Foundationin 2020. “At Archewell, we unleash the power of compassion to drive systemic cultural change,” the organization states on itswebsite. “We do this through our non-profit work within The Archewell Foundation 501(c)(3), in addition to creative activations through the business verticals of audio and production.”
Prince Harry and Meghan did return to the U.K. in June 2022 tocelebrate Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years on the throne. They alsoattended the late monarch’s funeral eventsin Sept. 2022, with Harry marching in processions and taking part in thegrandchildren’s vigil.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/POOL/AFP via Getty
Will Prince Harry or Meghan attend King Charles' coronation?
Ending months of speculation amid strained relations, Buckingham PalaceconfirmedWednesday thatPrince Harrywill attend the coronation of King Charles andQueen Camillain London on May 6.
The crowning ceremony coincides with Prince Archie’sfourth birthday, and Meghanwill remain in Californiawith Archie and Lilibet. PEOPLE understands that the Duchess of Sussex will spend the weekend celebrating Archie’s birthday with the children.
Prince Harrywanted to be at the service to support his father at this important moment in his life, a friend tells PEOPLE.
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Although there arethree days of eventssurrounding the coronation, including a concert at Windsor Castle and a volunteer day,Prince Harryis not expected to attend other outings aside from the crowning ceremony.
The palace had no comment or guidance on whether the Duke of Sussex will join King Charles, Queen Camilla and other members of the royal familyon the Buckingham Palace balconyfollowing the coronation at this stage.
source: people.com
