Harry and Meghan confirm they're out as working royals for good

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
(Image credit: DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP via Getty Images)

Don't expect a royal return for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

The U.K.'s Duke and Duchess of Sussex have confirmed to Queen Elizabeth II "that they will not be returning as working members of the Royal Family," Buckingham Palace said Friday.

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In a shock announcement last year, Harry and Meghan said they'd be stepping back "as 'senior' members" of the British royal family, looking to "become financially independent" and "balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America." They later moved to Santa Barbara County, California, with their son, Archie.

The duke and duchess will now be returning their honorary military appointments and Royal patronages, which will be "redistributed among working members of the Royal Family," Buckingham Palace said. A spokesperson for the couple said they'll "remain committed to their duty and service to the U.K. and around the world," noting that "we can all live a life of service."

Harry and Meghan, who recently announced they're expecting their second child together, are set to speak out during a highly-anticipated, prime-time interview with Oprah Winfrey on March 7 — and according to CBS' Gayle King, "nothing is off-limits."

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Brendan Morrow

Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.