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Most of us wish we could take breaks from our families. Prince Harry actually did it. Earlier this year, he and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex announced that they were stepping back from their jobs as senior royals and moving to North America part-time. As the monarch of the UK and Harry’s grandmother, that must have been a hard pill to swallow for Queen Elizabeth II. But on Harry’s final tour of royal engagements before he officially leaves his role as a working royal, he has made it quite clear that he and his dear ol’ gran are still on good terms.

Queen Elizabeth II, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry
Queen Elizabeth II, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry | Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

Why did Prince Harry and Meghan Markle step down?

After an especially rough year for Meghan and Harry, the two decided that the best thing to do would be to take a step back from the limelight.

“The decision that I have made for my wife and I to step back is not one I made lightly,” Harry said during a speech at the dinner for supporters of Sentebale in London. “It was so many months of talks after so many years of challenges. And I know I haven’t always gotten it right, but as far as this goes, there really was no other option. What I want to make clear is, we’re not walking away, and we certainly aren’t walking away from you.”

Details of Megxit

Though the exit was announced months ago, it won’t actually go into effect until April 1. Buckingham Palace gave a statement on how the royal family will move forward.

“As agreed in this new arrangement, they understand that they are required to step back from royal duties, including official military appointments,” the statement read.“They will no longer receive public funds for royal duties.”

“With The Queen’s blessing, the Sussexes will continue to maintain their private patronages and associations. While they can no longer formally represent The Queen, the Sussexes have made clear that everything they do will continue to uphold the values of Her Majesty. The Sussexes will not use their HRH titles as they are no longer working members of the Royal Family.”

After a year, this dynamic will be reassessed to ensure that it is still working for all parties involved.

How are Prince Harry and the Queen now?

Recently, Prince Harry and Meghan returned to the U.K. for a number of engagements and appearances before they step back from their duties officially.

Harry addressed attendees at the Endeavour Fund Awards and expressed how glad he was to be back in England.

“Meghan and I are so happy to be back here with you, to celebrate each and every one of you for your achievements, your service, and your resilience,” he said. “For some, the military community represents a brotherhood or sisterhood that no other organization can provide, and for others, it’s a way of life which you never want to leave. For a lot of us, it’s both.”

But he made sure to reinforce how devoted he was and still is to his grandmother before ending his speech.

“Being able to serve Queen and Country is something we all are rightly proud of, and it never leaves us. Once served, always serving!” he said.  

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