Now that Harry and Meghan are out, who is considered a senior royal?
Earlier today the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced that they would be stepping down from their roles as “senior” members of the royal family.
In a statement released by the Palace, Harry and Meghan revealed that they plan on working towards financial independence and to split their time moving forward between the UK and North America.
The Sussexes also stated that they will continue to support the Queen, the Commonwealth and their patronages.
“This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity,” read the statement.
Given the bombshell nature of this announcement, people have raised a number of questions about who exactly will be affected by the changes taking place.
One of those queries is regarding the title of “senior royal”, one that the couple have chosen to give up. According to their website, Harry and Meghan’s roles “will continue to reflect their sense of duty and allegiance to The Monarch and her legacy in the world, as they transition into the new working model.”
While they hope to become members of the royal family with financial independence, “their commitment to The Monarch is resolute, and they aim to continue to fly the flag for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, as called upon."
So what does the term senior royal mean? And who holds the position?
The title of “senior royal” has never been officially defined by the British royal family, but is generally given to those adult relatives of the monarch who are close to the line of succession, and their spouses.
They are full-time working members of the royal household, and represent the Queen both in the UK and abroad.
With Harry and Meghan stepping back from their roles, the ones who now hold that position are: The Queen and Prince Philip, Prince Charles and Camilla, and Prince William and Kate.