Prince Harry and his wife Meghan will no longer be working members of Britain’s royal family and they will not use their “royal highness” titles as they embark on a more independent future, Buckingham Palace said on Saturday.
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“Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved members of my family,” Queen Elizabeth said in a statement, referring to the couple’s baby son.
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“I recognise the challenges they have experienced as a result of intense scrutiny over the last two years and support their wish for a more independent life.” The queen added that she was “particularly proud” of how Meghan became one of the family.
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Harry, 35, and his American wife, former actress Meghan, 38, sparked a crisis in the British monarchy this month by announcing they wanted to reduce their royal duties and spend more time in North America, while also becoming financially independent.
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In recent days, the queen and her family have been working out with officials how this stepping back will work in practice.
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The palace said Harry and Meghan will no longer receive public funds and they will repay money spent on the refurbishment of their cottage at Windsor, west of London.
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The changes will come into effect in the spring of this year, the palace said.
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The Morning and Evening Brief###
The Morning and Evening Brief