Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Fixed 31st March for Royal Exit

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have announced March 31 as their date of formal exit as frontline royals after discussions with Buckingham Palace, on formalising their new role as financially independent people.

Prince Harry and Meghan who are now known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will drop the titles and will no longer have their office at Buckingham Palace in London as they will stop carrying out formal royal duties for Queen Elizabeth II from 1st of April, but the formal arrangements of the split could be best assessed after 12 months.

A spokesperson for the couple said, "The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will formally step down as senior royals from March 31".

35-year-old Prince Harry will retain his military ranks of Squadron Leader, Major, and Lieutenant, but will not use his honorary military titles and cannot perform any official duties related to the roles.

According to arrangements the couple may retain their titles as His and Her Royal Highness (HRH), but would not be permitted to use the titles. The use of the word "Royal" is still under discussion with palace officials.

The spokesperson for the couple, also said that the couple who are planning to settle down in Canada may spend some time in the UK on regular basis, but will unveil further details of their non-profit charitable foundation later in the year.

In the next few weeks, the couple are expected to come back to the UK to complete around six formal engagements, which includes Prince Harry's attendance at an Invictus Games event next with singer Jon Bon Jovi.

In early March, 38-year-old Meghan Markle is also set to attend an International Women's Day event. The couple will also join other royals on 9th March for a Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey.

Last month, as the first British royal family the couple signed a formal exit deal, which also saw them giving up their UK taxpayer funding. According to the deal, which comes into effect from April 1, the couple will no longer be representing the Queen in their official capacity.

Queen Elizabeth II also said that the agreement which was followed by months of discussions was a constructive and supportive way forward for her grandson and his family.

In her personal statement, the 93-year-old monarch said, "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". She also thanked the couple for their work for the UK and across the Commonwealth.

Prince Harry during a speech last month said, "The decision that I have made for my wife and I to step back is not one I made lightly. The UK is my home and a place that I love. That will never change".

Since the confirmation of the agreement, the couple has been living in Canada with their nine-month-old son Archie.