Prince Harry, 36, and Meghan Markle, 39, have held onto their royal patronages following their decision to quit the monarchy last year. Whether or not the couple get to keep them going forward is due to be reviewed by the Queen next month. But given they are now based in the USA fulltime, it seems likely they will lose the honorary roles that connect them to UK charities and organisations.
Since stepping away from the Royal Family, Meghan and Harry have settled in California and gained financial independence from the Fold after signing lucrative deals with Netflix and Spotify.
Earlier this week it was revealed the Sussexes had agreed to do a “wide-ranging” interview with US chat show host and Montecito neighbour Oprah Winfrey, in which they are expected to discuss their struggles as senior members of the Royal Family for the first time.
Meghan is due to be the main focus of the interview while Harry is due to join his wife and Oprah towards the end of the programme.
The Sussexes are no longer bound by royal protocol and were therefore under no obligation to inform the Queen of their decision to speak to Oprah but the move is said to have blindsided the 94-year-old monarch and agitated palace aides.
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Reacting to the move, royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told Express.co.uk: “It is now clear that it was arranged without the knowledge of the Queen and of senior royals.
“This is undoubtedly disrespectful as it will deal with their lives as senior working royals and, presumably, why they were unhappy.”
The expert added: “The only excuse, that it highlights their independence, shows extraordinary timing as it airs on March 7 with the Sandringham Agreement with the Queen due to be reassessed by the end of March.”
“It will have a global audience and the millions who will tune in to 90 minutes with Oprah, will be especially interested in what made them so unhappy in their life as senior working royals.”
The duchess is also patron of London-based animal charity Mayhew and UK women’s charity SmartWorks.
Prince Harry is the patron of 16 UK organisations including The London Marathon Charitable Trust, The Rugby Football League and WellChild.
Prince William and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge already hold dozens of patronages of their own but could absorb the roles from Meghan and Harry if needs be.
There is also the possibility that other senior royals including Sophie, Countess of Wessex, Prince Edward and Princess Anne could step in to take on some of the royal work if the Sussexes are forced to leave their associations behind.
As well as his royal patronages Prince Harry held several honorary military titles which are also thought to be at risk.
As a working royal, the Duke held the honorary roles of Captain-General Royal Marines, Honorary Air Commandant, RAF Honington Commodore-in-Chief, Small Ships and Diving, Royal Naval Command.
The Duke had to relinquish these titles after stepping down as a working royal and the Queen will make a decision whether or not to reinstate them next March.
According to one royal insider, the Sussexes realise they are likely to lose their honorary royal roles.
The source told the Telegraph: “The royal appointments and patronages were never in their gift.
“All they have done is express their commitment to them. There is no question that if it was up to them, they would keep them.”
— to www.express.co.uk
