“As agreed in this new arrangement, they understand that they are required to step back from Royal duties, including official military appointments,” a statement from Buckingham Palace states. “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.”
Concluding her statement with well wishes for the couple, Her Majesty said, “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.”
Now that an agreement between the royal family has been made and the staff at Frogmore Cottage has been reassigned, it seems Harry and Meghan can officially begin their journey to carve out their new roles and identities outside of the monarchy.
Making strides in their desire to have “geographical balance” for Archie, Meghan has been enjoying her time in Canada. After arriving earlier this month after their royal exit announcement, she has been making plans to visit kick-start her charitable efforts in the Vancouver area and was recently spotted on a hike with her little one.
Addressing their unprecedented move, Harry said, “The decision that I have made for my wife and I to step back, is not one I made lightly. It was so many months of talks after so many years of challenges. And I know I haven’t always gotten it right, but as far as this goes, there really was no other option.”
He added, “What I want to make clear is we’re not walking away, and we certainly aren’t walking away from you. Our hope was to continue serving the Queen, the commonwealth, and my military associations, but without public funding. Unfortunately, that wasn’t possible.”
Watch E! News weekday mornings at 7 a.m.! And don’t miss our 2020 Grammys: E!’s Inside Guide special Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 11 p.m. for a Grammy Awards preview!