The debate as to whether the Duke and Duchess of Sussex should retain their titles as they make the move to North America and relinquish their duties as senior members of the royal family has raged on for the better part of weeks.
Well, the verdict is finally in, as it has been decided what is to happen with the ‘royal highness’ designations. Additionally, the taxpayer dollars debacle that it took to renovate the Frogmore Cottage estate has also been addressed. Here are the details.
Breaking News: Prince Harry and Meghan have a deal. They'll give up their titles, forgo public funding for royal duties, and repay the cost of refurbishing their official residence, a royal statement said.https://t.co/8DmRoe3fkL
— The New York Times (@nytimes) January 18, 2020
The decision coming from the family meetings which occurred between Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles, Prince William, and Prince Harry has led to the formal abdication and relinquishment of their titles as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, as well as, the designation of ‘their royal highnesses’.
For many people, this was the only logical move as the couple would no longer be associated with the royal duties that were required of senior members of the family. There was also information released that pertained to the repayment for the Frogmore Cottage estate that the couple had renovated last year.
Per a statement by Buckingham Palace, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will also pay back the costs that were required for the Frogmore Cottage renovations which totaled to 2.4 million pounds (3.1 million US dollars).
In addition to paying the taxpayers back for the contribution to the estate, Harry and Meghan will also not be given any aspects of the Sovereign Grant, the annual stipend that the British government gives to the Queen for royal family-related expenses, something that is sure to make the taxpayers happy.
The formal statement that was released by Queen Elizabeth II was posted on the Official Sussex Instagram page.
“Following many months of conversations and more recent discussions, I am pleased that together we have found a constructive and supportive way forward for my grandson and his family,” the queen began. “Harry, Meghan, and Archie will always be much loved members of the family. I recognise the challenges they have experienced as a result of intense scrutiny over the last two years and support their wish for a more independent life.”
“I want to thank them for all their dedicated work across this country, the Commonwealth and beyond, and am particularly proud of how quickly Meghan has become one of the family. It is my whole family’s hope that today’s agreement allows them to start building a happy and peaceful life,” Her Majesty concluded.
With much of the drama now out of the way regarding whether the couple would retain their titles, leaving taxpayers with the bill for the Frogmore Cottage estate renovations, and remaining as recipients to the Sovereign Grant, Harry and Meghan can begin the steps to truly move on with the independent life, away from the royal responsibilities and abrasive British media.
However, the story is sure to develop further as they decide on a place to settle down and hire security to make sure they are safe as international figures in a civilian world.
The only titles I suspect they're interested in: Mom and Dad. Husband and wife. Good Friend.
We love you. You make us proud.#meghanmarkle #princeharry
— Anne Boleyn (“Brazen Hussy”) (@TudorChick1501) January 18, 2020
