Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Are Getting Their Own Household — Here’s What That Means
As Duchess Meghan Markle and Prince Harry gear up for their previously announced personal move from Kensington Palace to their own home at Frogmore Cottage, they’re also relocating their official office to Buckingham Palace. This is the move that’s been referred to in the press as the couple “splitting households” from Prince William and Duchess Kate Middleton. So, what does that mean, exactly?
Currently, Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan share a joint team — AKA a “court,” or what is referred to as a household office — with Prince William and Kate Middleton at Kensington Palace. Now, according to a March 15 statement from the royal family, “the Queen has given permission for The Duke and Duchess of Sussex to base their Household Office at Buckingham Palace.”
To that end, the couple have appointed a new communications staff of their own, who will form part of the Buckingham Palace communications team and report to the Queen’s Communications Secretary. This new household will be officially established in the spring, with the support of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles. “Kensington Palace will continue to support Their Royal Highnesses until that team is in place,” the royals’ statement read.
Markle began accompanying Prince Harry on official royal engagements immediately following the announcement of their plans to wed. In the time since, the couple have maintained a steady workload with various organizations, and Markle’s work has expanded to include her own solo charitable ventures and the establishment of her official royal patronages. According to the palace, the formation of a new office will assist in the pair’s ongoing efforts.
“This long-planned move will ensure that permanent support arrangements for The Duke and Duchess’ work are in place as they start their family and move to their official residence at Frogmore Cottage,” the royal family explained.
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