The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have told the Queen they will not return as working members of the Royal Family, Buckingham Palace says.

A statement from the palace said the royals were “saddened by their decision” but that Harry and Meghan “remain much loved members of the family”.

Honorary military appointments and royal patronages held by the couple – such as Harry’s affiliation with the Royal Marines – will be returned to the Queen and “redistributed among working members of The Royal Family”.

Sky’s royal correspondent, Rhiannon Mills, says it appears that “tense discussions” have been behind the scenes and that the couple “don’t sound happy” in their latest statement.

Harry and Meghan decided to step away last year as working members of the Royal Family and a 12-month review was agreed on their future role.

The couple’s statement today said: “As evidenced by their work over the past year, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain committed to their duty and service to the UK and around the world, and have offered their continued support to the organisations they have represented regardless of official role.

“We can all live a life of service. Service is universal.”

The news on their future comes ahead of an interview next month by Oprah Winfrey – with royal watchers saying it could prove an “uncomfortable watch” for the Windsors.

The couple also recently announced they are expecting their second child, while Meghan won her privacy case against the Mail On Sunday.

With them now stepping back permanently from royal duties, the Queen confirmed in writing that it was “not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service”.

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