Rules Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Must Now Follow

While the Duke and Duchess of Sussex may be able to keep their titles, there's not much else that the couple can really lay claim to now that they've permanently stepped down from their roles as senior working royals. After negotiating a parting deal with his family in England, Prince Harry and his wife Meghan agreed to certain terms that they must follow — essentially privileges that they must give up. And, while they had to adhere to many more guidelines during their tenure representing the queen, the pair's new rules revolve around what they cannot do.

Perhaps the most pivotal of these updated guidelines comes from their financial state. Town and Country reports that the Sussexes are no longer allowed access to public funds. Buckingham Palace said in its original statement that, "[Harry and Meghan] 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," according to the outlet. 

People reports that, in September of 2020, the couple revealed that they no longer received any support from Prince Harry's father, Prince Charles, after seeking to become "financially independent of the crown." The two have solidified lucrative deals with tech entertainment giants such as Spotify, Netflix, and Apple TV that will do more than support the couple and their growing family. Furthermore, the pair also shared that they were paying their own security costs when they moved across the pond — a point of contention that made headlines when they first announced their departure from the UK.

Beyond financially, the couple are now independent of the crown in their names as well. Part of the deal was that the Duke and Duchess could keep those titles, but had to relinquish the coveted "His and Her Royal Highness" designations, according to Town and Country. Furthermore, with the recent announcement that the two have permanently stepped down as senior working royals, it became public knowledge that the couple had to renounce their trusts and patronages.

People reports that the Prince will give up his work and involvement with various organizations and charities, including the Rugby Football Union and Rugby Football league. The two have also given up their involvement with the Royal National Theater, the Queen's Commonwealth Trust, and the Association of Commonwealth Universities as a result of their exit. Lastly, Harry has been stripped of his military appointments, People explains.

In addition to losing their sponsorships of organizations that they love, the royal duo may no longer use their Sussex Royal brand, according to USA Today. The couple's offices explained in a statement that, "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, when it is announced this Spring, will not be named Sussex Royal Foundation." Devoted fans will have to wait and see whether or not this development involves a change in their Instagram handle as well. 

While following the long list of rules may seem like a pain, the Sussexes have given up their many privileges in order to live a "normal" life.