Western Morning News (Saturday)
Harry and Meghan are stripped of Royal titles
Duke of Sussex no longer Captain General of the Royal Marines
THE Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been stripped of their prestigious patronages – including Prince Harry’s role as Captain General of the Royal Marines.
Buckingham Palace is to distribute the senior roles among other members of the Royal Family, in a clear snub to Harry and Meghan, who had hoped to hold onto the titles.
But as the Duke and Duchess confirmed their withdrawal from frontline jobs with the Royal Family was permanent the Queen is understood to have insisted they lose their formal positions and patronages.
Harry and Meghan wanted to retain the roles with the military, arts, Commonwealth and sporting organisations, but were informed they would have to relinquish the posts after talks with the Queen and senior royals.
A source said Harry and Meghan had “absolutely, no question” wanted to retain the positions. “They do respect the decision but they always made clear they were committed to doing the roles,” the source said.
Harry and Meghan, who are expecting their second child, confirmed their decision to remain in the US for personal and financial freedom. Harry succeeded his grandfather in the role with the Royal Marines. He is said to be particularly sorry to lose his military positions.
SEVERAL of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s former patronages have thanked the couple for their support following the news they will not be returning as working members of the Royal Family.
Harry and Meghan’s honorary military appointments – including Prince Harry’s role as Captain General of the Royal Marines, along with royal patronages of sporting associations and charities will be returned to the Queen to be redistributed to other royals.
The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust – only founded in 2018 – of which the duke and duchess were president and vice-president respectively said it was “lucky” to have had their support.
The trust said in a statement: “The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust exists to support young people around the world who are delivering practical help to those who need it most.
“We have been very lucky to have had the keen support and encouragement of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in our formative years.
“They have enabled us to make fast progress and have helped us to take the organisation to readiness for its next phase.
“We are glad that they remain in our circle of supporters.”
It added: “Our focus, as always, is on the young people we work alongside. We will be pressing on with vigour to help them reach even more people with the essential services they provide.”
The National Theatre, one of Meghan’s patronages, thanked her for “championing” its work with communities and young people across the UK.
It said in a tweet: “The National Theatre is very grateful for the support offered by the Duchess of Sussex throughout the course of her patronage.
“The duchess championed our work with communities and young people across the UK, and our mission to make theatre accessible to all.
“As Buckingham Palace have stated, the process of appointing a new patron is ongoing and will be announced in due course.”
The Rugby Football League, one of Harry’s patronages, said: “The Rugby Football League thanks the Duke of Sussex for his time, care and commitment in supporting Rugby League at all levels in recent years from the children’s game to the Challenge Cup, the England teams and RLWC2021.”