Harry and Meghan post final SussexRoyal Instagram message
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will have their working arrangements reviewed in 12 months.
Tuesday 31 March 2020 08:40, UK
Harry and Meghan have written their final post on their SussexRoyal Instagram account, thanking followers "for the support, the inspiration and the shared commitment to the good in the world".
From today, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will no longer use their Sussex Royal Instagram account or website, as they officially start their new independent life.
But they used their to draw attention to the COVID-19 outbreak, writing: "What's most important right now is the health and wellbeing of everyone across the globe and finding solutions for the many issues that have presented themselves as a result of this pandemic.
"As we all find the part we are to play in this global shift and changing habits, we are focusing this new chapter to better understand how we can best contribute".
To accompany the post, Buckingham Palace released a statement saying: "The Duke and Duchess of Sussex would prefer that in the immediate weeks and months, the focus remains on the global response to COVID-19.
"However, we recognise there are outstanding questions relating to their future beyond their household transition deadline."
Talking about their Sussex Royal brand, it adds: "As was agreed with The Royal Family, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will no longer use the name Sussex Royal for their charitable organisation, Instagram or website. For now, there will be no additional information on their next steps."
Following reports that they have now moved from Canada to Los Angeles, the statement says their focus will now be on family life and their new way of working away from the Royal Family.
"The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will spend the next few months focusing on their family and continuing to do what they can, safely and privately, to support and work with their pre-existing charitable commitments while developing their future non-profit organisation," it says.
They have hired a top executive who worked for Bill and Melinda Gates to help set up the organisation.
Catherine St Laurent, who the couple describe as "an incredible asset", will start as chief of staff in April and also be executive director of their new non-profit organisation.
In a statement, she said: "From our very first conversation, Harry and Meghan have expressed a deep commitment to improving lives and having a positive impact on society.
"Their perspective on the role that empathy, connection, and compassion can play in that mission is both deeply personal and incredibly timely."
In January, Harry and Meghan unexpectedly announced they wanted to step back as senior royals and become financially independent.
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After difficult negotiations with the Queen and the rest of the family, it was agreed that they could pursue a new way of life - starting from the 31 March. The new working arrangements will be reviewed in 12 months.
From today their Instagram account and website will remain online but will no longer be updated.
Their Sussex Royal Foundation will not continue and the winding up process has begun.
Travelyst, an eco-tourism initiative that was set up under the foundation, will continue as an independent non-profit organisation, and there are already suggestions it could help the travel industry once the rates of COVID-19 start to ease.
A spokesperson said: "The Duke is working closely with each of the Travalyst partners to better understand how this non-profit organisation can aid in global recovery, especially by supporting communities, wildlife and the environment at the same time."
Last on Sunday it was confirmed by the palace that Harry and Meghan had made private security arrangements now they are living in the states, after Donald Trump tweeted that American citizens would not be paying for it.
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But it's still not clear if UK taxpayers are paying for some of their security.
The palace said: "At the specific request of the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) and Home Office, Buckingham Palace does not comment or provide guidance on security arrangements as it is restricted information."