Prince Harry and Wife's Final Official Duty... Beginning to Settle Relations with the Royal Family

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who declared their independence from the British royal family, have completed their final official duties and have officially stepped down from royal duties. Starting next month, the couple plans to operate a nonprofit foundation and fully sever ties with the British royal family over the course of a year.

According to foreign media including CNN, on the 9th (local time), Prince Harry and Meghan attended the annual "Commonwealth Day" ceremony held at Westminster Abbey in London that afternoon. This event was the last occasion where the couple participated as members of the royal family. The event was attended by senior royal members including Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, and Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge. This was the first time since their declaration of independence from the royal family in January this year that Prince Harry and Meghan shared a venue with all senior royal members.

With the completion of their official duties, financial support from the British royal family will be discontinued starting next month. They will no longer be able to use the titles and positions such as "His/Her Royal Highness" as official members of the royal family. The use of the "Royal" brand will also be prohibited.

Prince Harry received titles such as Duke of Sussex, Earl of Dumbarton, and Baron Kilkeel from the Queen upon his marriage in May 2018. Since then, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been officially referred to as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, respectively. However, the title "Prince" remains as it is automatically granted by birth.

The couple plans to establish and operate a nonprofit foundation starting from the 1st of next month. After a transitional period to redefine their relationship with the royal family, Prince Harry and Meghan plan to agree on a new relationship with the royal family.

Prince Harry and Meghan are expected to return to Canada, where their son Archie resides, while continuing to use Frogmore Cottage, their residence near Windsor Castle in London, and plan to visit the UK regularly. Approximately ?2.4 million (about 3.6 billion KRW) was spent on remodeling Frogmore Cottage, which they use as their home. The couple has agreed to repay the full amount. Although Prince Harry and Meghan will attend some royal events in the future, these will not be classified as official duties.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.