Harry and Meghan make final split with British royal family

[February 19, 2021]    LONDON (Reuters) - Prince Harry and his wife Meghan made their final split with the British royal family, telling Queen Elizabeth that they will not be returning as working members of monarchy, Buckingham Palace said on Friday.

Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, arrive at Fua'amotu airport on the main island Tongatapu in Tonga October 25, 2018. REUTERS/Phil Noble/File Photo

Harry and Meghan, who announced they are expecting their second child on Sunday, shocked senior royals last year by announcing plans to step back from their royal roles.

"The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have confirmed to Her Majesty The Queen that they will not be returning as working members of The Royal Family," the Palace said.

"While all are saddened by their decision, The Duke and Duchess remain much loved members of the family."

Just days before Harry and Meghan are due to appear in an interview with Oprah Winfrey, the Palace said the pair's honorary military appointments and royal patronages would be returned to the queen.

A spokesman for the pair said that they remained committed to service.

"As evidenced by their work over the past year, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain committed to their duty and service to the U.K. and around the world, and have offered their continued support to the organisations they have represented regardless of official role," the spokesman said.

"We can all live a life of service. Service is universal.”

(Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge and William James)

[© 2021 Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved.]

Copyright 2021 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.  Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content.