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“Megxit” Updates: Harry and Meghan to forgo royal titles, give up state funding, and more

20.01.2020

By Ronn Tan

“Megxit” Updates: Harry and Meghan to forgo royal titles, give up state funding, and more

Last week, the world (and the United Kingdom) broke out in mass hysteria were given a royal shocking by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. In case you missed it?—the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced their decision to quit their roles as senior members of the British royal family (click here for the full story). A slew of discussions occurred and massive attention centred around the Queen and everyone else involved. Well, the results of the discussions have been revealed and here’s what we know so far.

Firstly, the couple will no longer use their royal titles. This means that they will be called Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, from now on. As they are no longer working royals, the HRH (His and Her Royal Highness) prefix will no longer be utilised by the Sussexes. Are you surprised by this outcome? Queen Elizabeth II and other senior members negotiated this deal in order to solve the “crisis”. There has never been anything this dramatic since 1936 when King Edward VIII abdicated the throne.

Secondly, Harry and Meghan will repay the public funds they initially took to refurbish Frogmore Cottage in Windsor. The project amounted to at least 2.4 million pounds (approximately RM12,646,600). The accommodation will continue to be their official residence whenever they are in the United Kingdom. Royal biographer, Penny Junor, said that the wish to give back the Sovereign Grant expenditure “will appease those people who were angry about the money”. Another major update: Harry and Meghan will no longer receive public funds for royal duties and are required to step back entirely—including official military appointments. It’s freedom at a price, for sure.

Harry broke silence after the announcements by the Queen and Buckingham Palace. According to the Duke of Sussex, “the decision that I have made for my wife and I to step back is not one I made lightly. It was so many months of talks after so many years of challenges. And I know I haven’t always gotten it right, but as far as this goes, there really was no other option. What I want to make clear is, we’re not walking away, and we certainly aren’t walking away from you”. It’s clear that the so-called “abrupt disruption” wasn’t so abrupt after all. A decision to step back as senior members of the royal family is huge and they have given thorough thought before finally executing.

Updates!

Harry and Meghan can no longer use their “Sussex Royal” label. This means that the couple will not be allowed to keep the word “royal” in their branding after stepping down as working royals. It is known that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have spent tonnes of money on their Sussex Royal website. Moreover, there are plans to register Sussex Royal as a global trademark. This includes clothing, stationery, books, and teaching materials. Now, they will have to re-brand. Their new charitable foundation, Sussex Royal, The Foundation of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, is slated to launch in April this year—backed by Queen Elizabeth II and Buckingham Palace. As we await the next move from Harry and Meghan, let’s just wish them the best!

In case you haven’t, read more about “Megxit” here.

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