April fools? Harry and Meghan’s last day in office announced
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s lives as working members of Britain’s royal family will end on March 31, a spokesperson for the couple confirmed Wednesday.
Harry and Meghan’s office at Buckingham Palace will be closed starting April 1, with the pair set to be represented through their UK charity team going forward.
The two will continue on as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and retain their titles: The Earl and Countess of Dumbarton and the Baron and Baroness Kilkeel. They will no longer represent Her Majesty or receive public funds for royal engagements.
The terms of Harry and Meghan’s separation from the royal family is due for review in one year, the spokesperson said.
“As there is no precedent for this new model of working and eventual financial independence, the Royal Family and the Sussexes have agreed to an initial 12-month review to ensure the arrangement works for all parties.”
Harry and Meghan’s use of the word royal, as featured in their Sussex Royal branding, is under review. Any changes will be announced alongside the launch of the couple’s foundation, the spokesperson said.
The nonprofit is said to retain the couple’s charitable goals to focus on causes including “the Commonwealth, community, youth empowerment and mental health, collectively”.
The couple is set to reside in Canada but “will be in the United Kingdom regularly”, sources said.
They are expected to have their last official appearance as working royals at the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey on March 9 with the Queen and other senior members of the monarchy.