Meghan and Prince Harry issue statement after agreement to leave the royal family is confirmed

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry issue statement after details of their agreement to leave the royal family were confirmed.

On Saturday, Buckingham Palace issued a statement confirming that an agreement had been reached. The details included the Sussexes repaying the funds used to refurbish Frogmore Cottage, which will remain their UK family home; and that they will continue "to maintain their private patronages and associations" with the blessing from the Queen. When the new model comes into effect in spring 2020, the couple will no longer use their HRH titles as they are no longer members of the royal family (you can find the full details of the statement here). Following the news, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have issued a statement on their official website. "In line with the statement by Her Majesty The Queen, information on the roles and work of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be updated on this website in due course," the couple said. "We appreciate your patience and invite you to explore the site to see the current works of Their Royal Highnesses." Alongside the statement from Buckingham Palace, the Queen issued a statement thanking the couple for "their dedicated work across the country, the Commonwealth and beyond," adding that she was "particularly proud of how Meghan has so quickly become one of the family." "Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved members of my family," she added. The full statement from The Queen can be found below:

Following many months of conversations and more recent discussions, I am pleased that together we have found a constructive and supportive way forward for my grandson and his family. Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved members of my family. I recognise the challenges they have experienced as a result of intense scrutiny over the last two years and support their wish for a more independent life. I want to thank them for all their dedicated work across this country, the Commonwealth and beyond, and am particularly proud of how Meghan has so quickly become one of the family.  It is my whole family’s hope that today’s agreement allows them to start building a happy and peaceful new life.