AFP -Prince Harry , the grandson of Queen Elizabeth II, and his wife Meghan lost their last official titles after confirming to the sovereign their final withdrawal from the British royal family, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.

Eager to be financially independent and protect themselves from media pressure, the couple caused a veritable earthquake last year when they announced that they wanted to retire from their official duties.

The decision had to be reviewed after a year.

"The Duke and Duchess of Sussex confirmed to Her Majesty that they will no longer be active members of the royal family," the palace said in a statement.

"After talking with the duke, the queen wrote to confirm that, by renouncing her obligations related to her membership of the royal house, it is not possible to continue exercising responsibilities and duties related to a life of public service," the text adds.

Therefore, the titles will be returned and distributed among other members of the family.

"Although everyone is saddened by his decision, the Duke and Duchess remain beloved members of the royal family," the statement concludes.

Harry, 36, will lose his military titles, specifically in the Royal Marines to which he is closely linked after having carried out a mission in Afghanistan, as well as his representative role in the rugby federation. Meghan Markle will lose charitable titles.

“As their work over the past year shows, the Duke and Duchess remain very attached to their duty and service in the UK and around the world and have continued to support the organizations they represent, regardless of their role. official role, "said a spokesman for the couple.

Harry and Meghan, along with their son Archie, settled in California and have signed contracts with the Netflix and Spotify platforms. The couple announced recently that they were expecting their second child.

.