Harry, Meghan Royal Duties End March 31

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry, and Meghan, will formally step down as senior royals from March 31, a spokesperson for the couple has said.

They will no longer carry out duties on behalf of the Queen but arrangements will be reviewed after 12 months.

They will return to the UK for engagements at the end of this month.

The couple intends to split their time between the UK and North America and the spokesperson said they would be in the UK “regularly”.

They will attend six events in the UK in February and March, including the Commonwealth Day Service on March 9.

Harry is also expected to attend the London Marathon in April in his capacity as a patron, while the couple will also attend the Invictus Games in the Netherlands in May.

The couple will formally retain their HRH titles but will not use them. The use of the word “Royal” is under discussion, the spokesperson said, and an announcement on this will be made alongside the launch of the couple’s new non-profit organization.

Harry and Meghan’s foundation applied to trademark the Sussex Royal brand – used on their website and social media – in June last year.

As the couple will no longer be undertaking engagements in support of the Queen, they will not be retaining an office at Buckingham Palace. Instead, from April 1, they will be represented via their UK foundation, the spokesperson said.

Harry will retain the ranks of Major, Lieutenant Commander, and Squadron Leader but his honorary military positions will be suspended. The roles will not be filled by anyone else during the 12-month review period.