UK Edition
Our version of events: Where Harry and Meghan's statement differs from the Palace line
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex hint at their disappointment over elements of the agreement with the Queen
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have laid out the details of their behind-the-scenes negotiations with the palace in a long online statement.
Published on Feb 21, they disclose they had "hoped to be allowed to share these details with you sooner (to mitigate any confusion and subsequent misreporting)".
They added: "But the facts below should help provide some clarification around this transition and the steps for the future."
On the face of it, there is little material difference.
But while Buckingham Palace sets out the facts of what has been agreed, the Sussexes hint at their disappointment over some elements, including what they perceive to be a difference in their treatment and that of other members of the Royal family.
Here, we compare what they said with what the palace has said.
The split
PALACE: The Spring 2020 transition will take effect on 31 March. As there is no precedent for this new model of working and eventual financial independence, the Royal Family and The Sussexes have agreed to an initial 12-month review to ensure the arrangement works for all parties.
SUSSEX: It is agreed that the commencement of the revised role of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will take effect Spring 2020 and undergo a 12 month review.
The reason for leaving
QUEEN: Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved members of my 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.
SUSSEX: The Royal Family respect and understand the wish of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex to live a more independent life as a family, by removing the supposed ‘public interest’ justification for media intrusion into their lives. They remain a valued part of Her Majesty’s family.
Funding
PALACE: As agreed in this new arrangement, they understand that they are required to step back from Royal duties, including official military appointments. They will no longer receive public funds for Royal duties. With The Queen’s blessing, the Sussexes will continue to maintain their private patronages and associations. While they can no longer formally represent The Queen, the Sussexes have made clear that everything they do will continue to uphold the values of Her Majesty.
SUSSEX: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will become privately funded members of The Royal Family with permission to earn their own income and the ability to pursue their own private charitable interests. The preference of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex was to continue to represent and support Her Majesty The Queen albeit in a more limited capacity, while not drawing on the Sovereign Grant.
While there is precedent for other titled members of the Royal Family to seek employment outside of the institution, for The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, a 12-month review period has been put in place. Per the agreement The Duke and Duchess of Sussex understand that they are required to step back from Royal duties and not undertake representative duties on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen.
HRH titles
PALACE: The Sussexes will not use their HRH titles as they are no longer working members of the Royal Family.
SUSSEX: As agreed and set out in January, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will retain their “HRH” prefix, thereby formally remaining known as His Royal Highness The Duke of Sussex and Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will no longer actively use their HRH titles as they will no longer be working members of the family as of Spring 2020.
Still royal
PALACE: As the grandson of Her Majesty and second son of The Prince of Wales, Prince Harry remains sixth in the line of succession, and The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s status in the Order of Precedence is unchanged.
SUSSEX: As the grandson of Her Majesty and second son of The Prince of Wales, Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex remains sixth in line to the throne of The British Monarchy and the Order of Precedence is unchanged.
Patronages
PALACE: With The Queen’s blessing, the Sussexes will continue to maintain their private patronages and associations.
SUSSEX: It was agreed that The Duke and Duchess will no longer be able to formally carry out ‘official duties’ for The Queen or represent The Commonwealth, but they will, however, be allowed to maintain their patronages (including those that are classified as ‘royal’ patronages).
Security
PALACE: Buckingham Palace does not comment on the details of security arrangements. There are well established independent processes to determine the need for publicly-funded security.
SUSSEX: It is agreed that The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will continue to require effective security to protect them and their son. This is based on The Duke’s public profile by virtue of being born into The Royal Family, his military service, the Duchess’ own independent profile, and the shared threat and risk level documented specifically over the last few years. Neither have disclosed how this security will be paid.
Military
PALACE: In relation to the military, The Duke of Sussex will retain the ranks of Major, Lieutenant Commander, and Squadron Leader, however, during this 12-month period The Duke’s honorary military positions will not be used. No new appointments will be made to fill these roles before the 12-month review of the new arrangements is completed. The Duke will not perform any official duties associated with these roles. The Duke’s involvement with Invictus will continue, and he remains dedicated to supporting the military and mental health causes through his wider private work.
SUSSEX: In relation to the military, The Duke of Sussex will retain the rank of Major, and honorary ranks of Lieutenant Commander, and Squadron Leader. During this 12-month period of review, The Duke’s official military appointments will not be used as they are in the gift of the Sovereign. No new appointments will be made to fill these roles before the 12-month review of the new arrangements is completed. While per the agreement, The Duke will not perform any official duties associated with these roles, given his dedication to the military community and ten years of service he will of course continue his unwavering support to the military community in a non-official capacity. As founder of the Invictus Games, The Duke will proudly continue supporting the military community around the world through the Invictus Games Foundation and The Endeavour Fund.
Staff redundancies
PALACE: Due to the fact that The Duke and Duchess will not be undertaking official engagements in support of The Queen, which are funded by the Sovereign Grant, an office at Buckingham Palace was no longer needed. From 1 April, The Duke and Duchess will continue to be represented through their UK foundation team.
SUSSEX: Based on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s desire to have a reduced role as members of The Royal Family, it was decided in January that their Institutional Office would have to be closed, given the primary funding mechanism for this official office at Buckingham Palace is from HRH The Prince of Wales. The Duke and Duchess shared this news with their team personally in January once they knew of the decision, and have worked closely with their staff to ensure a smooth transition for each of them.
Over the last month and a half, The Duke and Duchess have remained actively involved in this process, which has understandably been a saddening for The Duke and Duchess and their loyal staff, given the closeness of Their Royal Highnesses and their dedicated team.
"Sussex Royal" branding
PALACE: As The Duke and Duchess are stepping back as senior Members of the Royal Family, and will work towards financial independence, use of the word ‘Royal’, in this context, needed to be reviewed. Discussions are still ongoing, however, a change will be announced alongside the launch of their new non-profit organisation.
SUSSEX: As The Duke and Duchess will no longer be considered full-time working Members of The Royal Family, it was agreed that use of the word ‘Royal’ would need to be reviewed as it pertains to organisations associated with them in this new regard. While there is not any jurisdiction by The Monarchy or Cabinet Office over the use of the word ‘Royal’ overseas, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex do not intend to use ‘Sussex Royal’ or any iteration of the word ‘Royal’ in any territory (either within the UK or otherwise) when the transition occurs Spring 2020.
Trademark
PALACE: Therefore the trademark applications that were filed as protective measures, acting on advice from and following the same model for The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, have been removed.
SUSSEX: While The Duke and Duchess are focused on plans to establish a new non-profit organisation, given the specific UK government rules surrounding use of the word ‘Royal’, it has been therefore agreed that their non-profit organisation will not utilise the name ‘Sussex Royal’ or any other iteration of ‘Royal.’
What comes next
PALACE: The Duke and Duchess are focused on plans to establish a new non-profit organisation.
SUSSEX: As shared in early January on this website, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex do not plan to start a ‘foundation’, but rather intend to develop a new way to effect change and complement the efforts made by so many excellent foundations globally. The creation of this non-profit entity will be in addition to their cause driven work that they remain deeply committed to.