Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Are Officially Out Of The Royal Family

When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made their decision to step down as senior royals, many thought of it as a rebellious phase. They figured the two would flounder without the perks of royal life, not flourish. Harry and Meghan proved their critics wrong. As their probationary period comes to a close, Buckingham Palace has confirmed that Harry and Meghan will not return to their royal roles. 

"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 statement reads. "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."

"While all are saddened by their decision, The Duke and Duchess remain much loved members of the family."

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will keep their His/Her Royal Highness titles, though they haven't used them since leaving the UK (per People). The Sussexes are also allowed to keep their Duke and Duchess titles. The couple released their own statement upon Buckingham Palace's confirmation of the news.

"As evidenced by their work over the past year, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain committed to their duty and service to the UK and around the world, and have offered their continued support to the organisations they have represented regardless of official role," the statement reads (per The Express). "We can all live a life of service. Service is universal."

The 12-month probationary period to review Harry and Meghan's decision wasn't due to come to an end until the end of March. However, some have speculated that some of the deals the couple has made in their pursuit to become financially independent may have played a role in severing these ties sooner than later.