Buckingham Palace confirm Harry and Meghan won't return to roles as working Royals
Buckingham Palace confirmed that the Queen had been in talks with the Duke of Sussex
Last updated 24th May 2022
Buckingham Palace has confirmed that Harry and Meghan will not return to their roles as working members of the Royal family.
The decision, which comes following discussions between Prince Harry and other members of the Royal family, means that the couple will lose their Royal patronages.
These include patronages to The Royal Marines, The Rugby Football Union, The Royal National Theatre and The Association of Commonwealth Universities, which will be divided between remaining working members of the Royal family.
The news comes just days after Harry and Meghan announced they were expecting their second child.
Statement from Buckingham Palace
In a statement, Buckingham Palace said, “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.
“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 honorary military appointments and Royal patronages held by The Duke and Duchess will therefore be returned to Her Majesty, before being redistributed among working members of The Royal Family.
“While all are saddened by their decision, The Duke and Duchess remain much loved members of the family.”
Following the announcement, the Rugby Football Union tweeted via the England Rugby page confirming that Harry would step down from his role as patron, and thanked him for his support.
Meghan and Harry remain committed to their organisations
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Meghan and Harry said that the couple remained "committed to their duty and service", highlighting that they had “offered their continued support to the organisations they have represented regardless of official role."
The statement concluded, “We can all live a life of service. Service is universal.”
Check out which other famous faces are expecting babies in 2021:
Finn Tapp and Jess Hale
Love Island series six winner Finn Tapp and his girlfriend Jess Hale announced in July they are expecting their first child together. Finn shared the lovely news on Instagram, just a month after they picked up the keys to their first home.
Perrie Edwards and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Singer and Little Mix star Perrie Edwards announced in September she's expecting another baby with her fiancé Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The couple announced the news in a cute video on Instagram.
Dianne Buswell and Joe Sugg
Strictly Come Dancing star Dianne Buswell and her boyfriend Joe Sugg, who she met on the show back in 2018, announced in September they are expecting their second child together! Sharing the news in a cute Instagram video, the pair revealed they are expecting a baby boy in 2026.
Cardi B
Just days before dropping her album 'Am I The Drama?', American rapper Cardi B announced in September that she's pregnant with her fourth child! The new arrival will be her first with her boyfriend, NFL star Stefon Diggs.
Paloma Faith
Singer Paloma Faith announced in October that she's expecting her first child with her boyfriend Stevie Thomas. Sharing the lovely news in an Instagram post, the 44-year-old confirmed she's 18 weeks pregnant. Paloma is already a mum to two children with her ex Leyman Lahcine.
Joel Dommett and Hannah Cooper
TV presenter Joel Dommett and his wife Hannah Cooper announced in November that they are expecting their second child together! The couple, who are already parents to their son Wilde, shared the news on social media, writing: ' 'Baby in mumma tummy. Hard to keep secrets with a toddler around'.
Ellie Goulding and Beau Minniear
Singer Ellie Goulding has revealed she is expecting her second child, her first with boyfriend Beau Minniear. The singer appeared on the red carpet at The Fashion Awards 2025 showing off her baby bump, wearing a cropped top.
Sienna Miller and Oli Green
At the same event as Ellie Goulding, actress Sienna Miller also announced her pregnancy, alongside her boyfriend Oli Green. Sienna is already a proud mum to her 13-year-old daughter Marlowe, whom she shares with her ex Tom Sturridge, and her 23-month-old daughter with Oli. The new arrival will be Sienna and Oli's second child together.