‘Service Is Universal’ – Meghan tells Queen

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Announce They Will Not Return to Royal Roles: ‘We Are All Saddened,' Queen Elizabeth Says.
Prince Harry and Meghan will keep their prized His/Her Highness titles, as well as their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles, even though they no longer use them.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are reiterating their dedication to “a life of service” in response to the Queen's declaration that the couple has formally stepped down from their positions as members of the royal family's working force.

Prince Harry, 36, and Meghan Markle, 39, will not return as working royals, according to a statement released by Buckingham Palace on Friday. The news comes a year and a month after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced their retirement plans, which included a one-year review period.

“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 palace statement said.

Prince Harry and Meghan retaliated with a declaration that made a clear reference to the Queen's: “We can all live a life of service. Service is universal. ”

The palace also stated that Prince Harry and Meghan “remain committed to their duty and service to the United Kingdom and around the world,” and that they “have offered their continued support to the organizations they have represented regardless of official role.”

“While all are saddened by their decision, The Duke and Duchess remain much loved members of the family.” Buckingham Palace said in a statement.

Honorary military appointments will be lost for Prince Harry, and they will be redistributed “among working members of The Royal Family.”

The Queen's Commonwealth Trust, the Rugby Football Union, the Rugby Football League, the Royal National Theatre, and the Association of Commonwealth Universities are among the trusts and patronages that will revert to the Queen, 94.

Several of the patrons took to social media to express their gratitude to Harry and Meghan in the wake of the announcement.