Prince Harry and Meghan Markle not to return as “working members” of the Royal Family

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will not return as working members of the royal family, Buckingham Palace declare.

The Queen confirmed that the couple would not ‘continue with the responsibilities and duties associated with a life of public serviced’.

A statement said the royal family was “saddened by their decision”, which was first announced in January.

The couple said ‘service is universal’ and offered to support the organizations they represented.

The duke and duchess said last year that they would retire as ‘senior’ royals and work to become financially independent.

They formally retired in March with a plan to review the arrangements after 12 months.

The confirmation of their departure follows talks between Harry and members of the royal family.

“The Queen has written and confirmed that it is impossible to continue with the responsibilities and duties associated with a life of public service as a result of the work of the Royal Family,” reads a statement from Buckingham Palace.

“Although everyone is saddened by their decision, the Duke and Duchess remain many beloved members of the family.”

A spokesman for Harry and Meghan said: “As is evident from their work over the past year, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex continue to be confined to their duty and service to the UK and around the globe, and have extended their continued assistance to the organizations they represented regardless of their official role. ‘

They added: “We can all have a service life. Service is universal.”