LONDON, January 15, 2026
The Cost of Stepping Back: What Harry and Meghan Lost
Table of Contents
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex relinquished significant privileges when they stepped down as senior royals.
- Prince Harry and Meghan Markle lost their HRH titles in 2020.
- The couple were stripped of their royal patronages and military appointments.
- Their departure from royal duties led to the loss of their home, Frogmore Cottage.
- Tensions remain between Prince Harry and his brother, Prince William.
When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their intention to step back as senior members of the royal family, it triggered a cascade of changes, resulting in the loss of several key privileges and responsibilities. The shift began with the couple forfeiting their “HRH” (His/Her Royal Highness) status. “The Sussexes will not use their HRH titles as they are no longer working members of the royal family,” Buckingham Palace stated in 2020.
Patronages and Public Service
The decision to step away from royal duties also meant relinquishing the patronages that came with a life of public service. Following discussions with the Duke, the Queen confirmed that continuing with these responsibilities was not possible. “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,” the Palace announced.
Military Titles Forfeited
Despite years of service, including a tour in Afghanistan, Prince Harry also lost his military titles. He was no longer able to use the titles of Captain General of the Royal Marines, Honorary Air Commandant of RAF Honington in Suffolk, and Honorary Commodore-in-Chief of the Royal Naval Commands’ Small Ships and Diving. The Duke of Sussex was also stripped of his military ranking and appointments.
From Royal Residence to California
Initially, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle hoped to balance their time between Canada and the United Kingdom. However, they ultimately settled in California and, shortly after, were evicted from their royal estate, Frogmore Cottage.
Strained Family Relationships
The couple’s departure from the U.K. and subsequent release of several candid projects reportedly strained their relationship with Prince William and Kate Middleton. Prince Harry has expressed a desire to reconcile with his brother, but the siblings’ relationship remains difficult.
