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Friday, 29 March 2024

Explainer: What will Harry and Meghan's new life look like?

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Explainer: What will Harry and Meghan's new life look like?
Explainer: What will Harry and Meghan's new life look like?

Prince Harry and his wife Meghan have stepped back from the royal family in search of a "more peaceful life".

But what does that mean in terms of their titles, their responsibilities and their finances?

Francesca Lynagh reports.

Prince Harry and his wife Meghan abruptly announced plans to step back from royal duties two weeks ago.

After crisis talks at Sandringham, most terms of their exit have now been agreed.

So what exactly happens next?

First of all, Harry and Meghan will lose their 'Royal Highness' titles as they will no longer be working members of the monarchy.

Harry will relinquish his honorary military appointments and his status as a Commonwealth youth ambassador.

But Harry will remain a prince and sixth in line to the throne and the couple will still be called the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

They'll also preserve their links to a network of private charities.

When it comes to money, Harry and Meghan will be free to earn their own going forwards.

They will give up state funding and repay taxpayer money used to refurbish their home, Frogmore House.

That's estimated to be 2.4 million pounds.

A royal source said the couple would pay a commercial rent on their UK home, which is where they will be based when they're not spending time in North America.

Prince Charles will continue to offer private financial support, although the details of this have not been spelled out.

They will no longer receive income from the monarchy's funding.

And there are some other logistics that haven't yet been disclosed.

Like who will pay for the couple's security, which could run into millions of pounds per year.

Until now, the couple have received armed personal protection from London's police paid for by taxpayers.

But the fact they won't be working royals may influence what they're are entitled to.

Six months ago Harry and Meghan applied to trademark the phrases Sussex Royal and Sussex Royal Foundation for use on books, clothing and charity campaigns.

But there's a question mark over whether or not they'll be able to retain the brand name in the wake of their decision to break tradition in search of a "more peaceful life."

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