Patronages
After announcing they were leaving royal duty in 2020, Harry and Meghan were given a 12-month review period in which they were allowed to change their minds.
After this time, when it was confirmed they did not want to return as working royals, the couple saw their patronages taken away.
A statement by Buckingham Palace in 2021 read: “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.
“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.”
This included The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, The Rugby Football Union, The Rugby Football League, The Royal National Theatre and The Association of Commonwealth Universities.