Meghan and Harry are charting a new course in America and while many assumed the couple would not return to the UK to resume royal duties — today an announcement from Buckingham Palace confirms the end of their official royal roles. While the Sussexes will continue work as ambassadors for their private patronages including the Mayhew and Smart Works (for the duchess) and the Invictus Games and WellChild (for the duke) — the California based pair will no longer hold their positions as President and Vice President of the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust. In addition, Harry will have to part with his beloved military appointments.
Many feel the departure of the couple was inevitable as Meghan and Harry bought a new home in Santa Barbara and secured deals with media and streaming giants Netflix and Spotify. Furthermore, the duchess is believed to have wanted to be on her home turf as she and Harry expand their family and seek a more private life while pursuing entertainment and business opportunities. Meghan has close friends and family in the Los Angeles area including her mother Doria Ragland, best friends Abigail Spencer, Heather Dorak and Benita Litt. Spencer resides in Studio City while Dorak is on the coast in Santa Monica and Litt reportedly lives a short drive away from Venice Beach. Meghan and Harry also have famous friends in the area including neighbors Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres as well as friends Tyler Perry, Katharine McPhee and husband David Foster. Another close friend tennis champ Serena Williams — lives in a gated community near Bel-Air.
While Harry and Meghan make an exit from royal life – they remain much loved members of the royal family and will continue to devote themselves to causes and charities close to their hearts. Since their stateside arrival they have taken the opportunity to deliver meals with Project Angel Food, hand out school supplies for Baby2Baby as well as speak with teens at Teenager Therapy and practice poetry with young people at Get Lit. Plus, the Duchess of Sussex has joined a number of organizations and virtual summits focused on creating leadership opportunities for women including Girls Up, Fortune’s Most Powerful Women conference and chatted with The 19th CEO about gender equity as well as having a backyard interview with American feminist Gloria Steinem.
As the Sussexes are busy creating content for Netflix, developing podcasts and preparing for the arrival of the newest member of the Sussex Squad — their lives will continue to be filled with lots of engaging and meaningful work.
