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Royal commentator Nicholas Witchell spoke to BBC News about Prince Harry and Meghan being stripped of their patronages which means they will no longer be allowed to be working members of the

 Royal Family. The decision was made by the Queen who revealed the duo would not be returning to the family after their 12-month review period. Harry and Meghan retain their royal titles of

Duke and Duchess of Sussex with Mr Witchell saying the Queen will be saddened that they would not return and will instead give their patronages to other Royal Family members. 

Speaking to BBC News, Mr Witchell said: "Consequently it will be necessary to remove all the patronages that come with life as a member of the Royal Family.

"Most particularly of course will hurt no doubt for Harry, he will be losing the honourary military appointments.

"Particularly the position as Captain-general of the Royal Marines that was a position he was given following the retirement of the Duke of Edinburgh.

"He has in effect been stripped of his remaining honourary military positions and these will now be redistributed among the working members of the Royal Family."

He added: "The Queen, in particular, must feel rather let down by Prince Harry and the Duchess of Sussex by their decision.

"Saddened of course that there is no way back for the foreseeable future for them as working members of the family."

A statement issued by Buckingham Palace today read: "The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have confirmed to Her Majesty The Queen that they will not be returning as working members of The Royal

Family.

"Following conversations with The Duke, The Queen has written confirming that in stepping away from the work of The Royal Family it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and

duties that come with a life of public service.

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"The honorary military appointments and Royal patronages held by The Duke and Duchess will therefore be returned to Her Majesty, before being redistributed among working members of The Royal

Family."  

In this statement, the Queen and the rest of the Royal Family expressed their feelings following Meghan and Harry's definitive departure.  

The Queen had previously said at the "Sandringham Summit" that Prince Harry could not be "half in and half out" of the Royal Family which was one of the reasons for Harry and Meghan to step

away from royal life. 

Minutes after the palace made their announcement, Meghan and Harry issued their own statement. 

A spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said: "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 organisations they have represented regardless of official role. 

Prince Harry and Meghan announced last week they would be taking part in a "tell-all" interview with Oprah Winfrey on March 7. 

While topics have not been confirmed yet, it is believed Meghan will talk about her time as a royal and why she decided to step down. 

The pair also announced they were expecting a second child. 

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