"We have been very lucky"

Harry & Meghan Get High Praise From Patronages As They Give Up Royal Work

Today, Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan confirmed they are permanently stepping away from work with the Royal Family. Despite the Duke and Duchess now giving up royal patronages, the charities and organizations they've left behind have only had kind words for them as they depart. Here's what the patronages are saying after the couple's years of service have come to an end.

Royal patronages are giving high praise to Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan for years of support after they've now given up work with the Royal Family.

Today, Buckingham Palace confirmed that the Duke and Duchess "will not be returning" to royal duties. As a result, they "returned" their royal patronages which will instead be given to working royals. Prince Harry also gave up three honorary military titles in the decision.

Royal patronages thank Prince Harry & Duchess Meghan

Prince Harry relinquished patronages with the Rugby Football Union and the Rugby Football League, while Meghan gave up the National Theatre and the Association of Commonwealth Universities. They also surrendered positions as president and vice president of The Queen's Commonwealth Trust.

But, today, the charities and organizations released statements on Harry and Meghan leaving their positions, highlighting their years of work and support.

"We have been very lucky to have had the keen support and encouragement of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex in our formative years," the QCT wrote. "They have enabled us to make fast progress and have helped us to take the organisation to readiness for its next phase. We are glad they remain in our circle of supporters."

The National Theatre said it is "very grateful for the support offered by The Duchess of Sussex throughout the course of her patronage. The Duchess championed our work with communities and young people across the UK, and our mission to make theatre accessible to all."

The Rugby Football Union and the Rugby Football League also gave thanks to Prince Harry, honouring "his support" and expressing gratitude for "his time, care and commitment in supporting Rugby League at all levels in recent years."

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Prince Harry & Meghan Markle officially leave royal duties

On Friday, Buckingham Palace announced the Duke and Duchess's official "stepping away from the work of the royal family." The statement concluded, "While all are saddened by their decision, the Duke and Duchess remain much loved members of the family."

Harry and Meghan's statement followed, saying firmly: "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 organizations they have represented regardless of official role. We can all live a life of service. Service is universal."

Duchess Meghan and Prince Harry officially step away from royal family work.

Earlier reports said it was a "painful" process for Prince Harry to relinquish these royal connections, which he and Meghan felt they were demonstrably capable of maintaining. But matters are now settled, with Harry having given up his military titles and the couple's royal patronages set to be redistributed.