Royal role model Prince will remain patron of charity
THE Duke and Duchess of Sussex are to continue supporting a Cheltenham charity even though the Queen is set to strip the couple of their honorary military appointments and royal patronages.
The move came after the couple told the Queen they will not be returning to life as working royals after leaving the UK to live on the other side of the Atlantic.
There had been widespread speculation over their future after the pair, who now live in California with baby Archie, signed a number of deals and agreed to do a tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey.
But Wellchild’s chief executive, Colin Dyer, who attended the couple’s wedding, said Harry would stay on as patron of the charity he had supported since 2007.
Previously, he attended several events a year, including the annual awards ceremony which celebrates the inspirational qualities of the UK’S seriously ill children and young people.
Mr Dyer said: “We are delighted to continue to have the Duke of Sussex as our patron.
“He has always been a great supporter of Wellchild, has made an important difference to the work we are able to do for families all over the UK, and we look forward to continuing to work with him in the future.”
On Friday, Buckingham Palace confirmed Harry would be stepping aside, and honorary military appointments, such as Captain General of the Royal Marines he took over from his grandfather Prince Philip, who held the role for 64 years, would be redistributed.
Meghan will lose patronage of the National Theatre, which the Queen gifted to the former actress in 2019 after holding it for 45 years.
“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,” said a statement.
“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.”
Earlier this year, Harry caught up with some of the children who had won awards in the past during a surprise Zoom meeting to plan the 2021 Wellchild awards.
“In our impact report this year, he talked about how the existing needs of vulnerable children should not be forgotten during the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Mr Dyer.
“He recognises that Wellchild is a lifeline for so many people and that we have had to redirect many of our funding resources during the pandemic.
“We know he is as passionate as we are that young people with serious health conditions continue to receive the support they need as we recover, rebuild and work to return to normal life.”
Harry was brought up at Highgrove House in Gloucestershire, and he and Meghan had a cottage in the Cotswolds for some time.
A spokesman for Harry and Meghan said: “As evidenced by their work over the past year, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain committed to their duty and service to the UK and around the world, and have offered their continued support to the organisations they have represented, regardless of official role.
“We can all live a life of service. Service is universal.”
In October 2019, Harry broke down as he recalled attending the 2018 Wellchild awards ceremony when Meghan was secretly pregnant with son Archie.
“He’s just a normal everyday person,” said Mr Dyer after being invited to the royal wedding.
“He’s brilliant with the people we support. Having Prince Harry as patron as had an enormous impact for Wellchild and raises the profile of issues we are trying to solve.”