London, Feb 19, (dpa/GNA) – Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle, the duchess of Sussex, will definitely not return to their duties as members of the British royal family, Buckingham Palace confirmed on Friday after talks between the pair and Queen Elizabeth II.
The duke and duchess of Sussex stepped away from royal duties last year, but a review of their decision was scheduled after 12 months.
The queen confirmed that after the duke and duchess retreated from the royal family, it was “not possible [for them] to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service.”
Therefore, their royal patronages and honorary military titles would be returned to the queen and redistributed among other royals.
“While all are saddened by their decision, The duke and duchess remain much loved members of the family,” the palace wrote in the statement.
Harry and Meghan currently live in California with their son Archie and are expecting a second child.
Meanwhile, the royal family remembered the birth of Prince Andrew, who was celebrating his 61th birthday on Friday.
“#OnThisDay in 1960 The Queen was safely delivered of a son, the first child born to a reigning monarch since 1857,” the royal family wrote on its Twitter account.
GNA