Thank you for contacting me about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
I have the utmost respect for the Royal Family, and I was saddened when the couple left public life in the UK. I understand, however, their desire for a new life as a young family.
Buckingham Palace has been clear that the issues raised by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex following their departure are concerning, particularly those regarding race. The Royal Family has said that while recollections of specific incidents may vary, the issues will be addressed by the family privately.
The couple stepped down as senior royals in March 2020 and confirmed in February 2021 that they would not be returning as working members of the Royal Family. The military appointments and patronages held by the Duke and Duchess have been returned to the King.
As agreed in the arrangement, the Duke and Duchess are required to step back from Royal duties and will no longer receive public funds for Royal duties. The Sussexes no longer use their HRH titles as they are no longer working members of the Royal Family. Given the specific UK government rules surrounding use of the word ‘Royal’, it has also been agreed that their non-profit organisation will not utilise the name ‘Sussex Royal’ or any other iteration of ‘Royal'.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.