London - Prince Harry and his wife Meghan
will no longer be working members of Britain's royal family and
they will not use their "royal highness" titles as they embark
on a more independent future, Buckingham Palace said on
Saturday.
"Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved members
of my family," Queen Elizabeth said in a statement, referring to
the couple's baby son.
"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."
The queen added that she was "particularly proud" of how
Meghan became one of the family.
Harry, 35, and his American wife, former actress Meghan, 38,
sparked a crisis in the British monarchy this month by
announcing they wanted to reduce their royal duties and spend
more time in North America, while also becoming financially
independent.
In recent days, the queen and her family have been working
out with officials how this stepping back will work in practice.
The palace said Harry and Meghan will no longer receive
public funds and they will repay money spent on the
refurbishment of their cottage at Windsor, west of London.
The changes will come into effect in the spring of this
year, the palace said.