When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle decided to step down as senior working royals, shockwaves were sent through the entire Royal Family.
It meant they had shed their royal titles, and would become financially independent – an aspect that has been the subject of much debate ever since, including in the wake of news the couple would be travelling to Colombia this week.
According to Colombian vice president Francia Márquez, Harry and Megan had been invited to the country to ‘illuminate Colombia’s role as a beacon of culture and innovation’.
But the Sussexes have faced some backlash after it was confirmed they are being given a full security detail for the trip, which is neither an official royal visit or state event, even though many people have argued it is an essential measure for the former royals.
When the pair announced their departure from the Royal Family in 2020, the response from Buckingham Palace was very clear.
In a statement at the time, it confirmed the Duke and Duchess would become financially independent going forward, and would no longer represent the Queen.
“The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have confirmed to Her Majesty The Queen that they will not be returning as working members of The Royal Family,” the Palace said.
“Following conversations with The Duke, The Queen has written confirming that in stepping away from the work of The Royal Family it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service.
“The honorary military appointments and Royal patronages held by The Duke and Duchess will therefore be returned to Her Majesty, before being redistributed among working members of The Royal Family.”
It added: “While all are saddened by their decision, The Duke and Duchess remain much loved members of the family.”
The couple confirmed they were stepping down from royal duties in 2020. (Emmanuel Osodi/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Buckingham Palace also clarified that, after Harry and Meghan decided to ‘step away’ as working members of the Royal Family, it was agreed that a 12-month review would take place.
This eventually led to the mutual decision between Harry and his relatives that the military, Commonwealth and charitable associations that would revert to the Queen were: The Royal Marines, RAF Honington, Royal Navy Small Ships and Diving, The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, The Rugby Football Union, The Rugby Football League, The Royal National Theatre and The Association of Commonwealth Universities.
