Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have to face the bitter truth — that someone will eventually replace them in their former roles when they were still working royals. According to reports, one of the Duke of Sussex's former royal patronages has been awarded to his sister-in-law, Kate Middleton.
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The Queen understands that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex do not want to let go of their royal patronages after they stepped down from their duties in 2020. The former royal couple was forced to give up various patronages, including 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.
Queen Elizabeth delayed re-assigning their patronages to other members of the firm because she didn't want to risk antagonizing her grandson, an unnamed source told Daily Mail. However, two years after Megxit, Her Majesty is moving forward.
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The Queen announced earlier this week that Kate Middleton will take over one of Prince Harry's former roles. The Duchess of Cambridge was named the new patron of Engish Rugby. She is the first royal to take over one of the Sussexes' former duties, Mirror reported.
The outlet noted that Middleton's new patronage is interesting because it puts her head to head with her husband, Prince William, who is the patron of the Welsh Rugby Union.
Prince Harry is a huge rugby fan and also plays the sport. He was also the vice-patron of the RFU from 2010 to 2016 before taking over the patronage from his grandmother. Queen Elizabeth II handed him the RFL patronage in 2016.
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Reaction After Queen Strip Them Of Patronages And Military Roles
When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle told the Queen that they were stepping down from their royal duties, the monarch gave them a year to finalize their decision. After they carried out their final engagement, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved to Canada before settling down in Los Angeles, California.
After a year, the monarch asked them for their decision. Prince Harry and Markle stood by their original plan and decided not to return. Following their decision, the Queen decided to strip them of their royal patronages and military appointments.
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“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 Buckingham Palace said in a statement per Deadline. “While all are saddened by their decision, The Duke and Duchess remain much-loved members of the family.”
Prince Harry and Markle didn't take it well. They also released a statement that seemingly directs the Queen.
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"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 organizations they have represented regardless of official role," their spokesperson said before adding, "We can all live a life of service. Service is universal."
Stay tuned for more news and updates about Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Prince William, Kate Middleton, and the rest of the members of the royal family.
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