Harry and Meghan shed staff ahead of exit

Prince Harry and Meghan are shedding their staff and closing down their office at Buckingham Palace, according to reports.

It is believed that the majority of the 15 people who work for the Sussexes are negotiating redundancy deals, although a minority could be found other positions within the royal household.

The couple are believed to have broken the news to their team in person last month after the announcement that they were stepping down as senior members of the royal family and going to live for most of the year in Canada.

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The Times says the news “would appear to be the final confirmation that whatever the future for Harry and Meghan, it lies outside the royal family”.

A source told the Daily Mail: “Given their decision to step back, an office at Buckingham Palace is no longer needed. While the details are still being finalised and efforts are being made to redeploy people within the royal household, unfortunately there will be some redundancies.”

Among those believed to be losing their jobs are Sara Latham, the couple’s communications chief who once worked for Hillary Clinton, and Fiona Mcilwham, Britain’s former ambassador to Albania who joined them as private secretary last summer.

The Sun says senior members of the royal family, including the Queen, Prince Charles and Prince William are aware of the office closure and redundancies.

Last week, a report in US Weekly said Harry is “much happier and more relaxed in Canada” and has no “regrets” about quitting the Royal Family.

Meanwhile, the couple are preparing for their final engagements, which include the Mountbatten Festival of Music at the Royal Albert Hall on 7 March, Harry's last engagement as Captain-General of the Royal Marines. He and Meghan are also expected to attend the Commonwealth Day service on 9 March.

Last month, the couple released a statement saying they planned to “make a transition” to “progressive” new roles within the Royal Family.

“We intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen,” said the Sussexes in a post on their official Instagram page.