After days of negotiations, the royal family has decided what’s next for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. The verdict? They are indeed stepping down from their senior royal positions and are “no longer working members of the royal family.”

Sussex Royal, the official Instagram account of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, released a written statement from Queen Elizabeth on Saturday, January 18. In it, Queen Elizabeth says that, “I am pleased that together we have found a constructive and supportive way forward for my grandson and his family.”

She continues, “I recognise the challenges they have experienced as a result of intense scrutiny over the last two years and support their wish for a more independent life. I want to thank them for all their dedicated work across this country, the Commonwealth, and beyond, and am particularly proud of how Meghan has so quickly become one of our family.”

The details for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s new arrangement were outlined in a separate statement from Buckingham Palace. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry will still be referred to as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, but they will no longer use “HRH” titles. The couple are officially no longer working members of the royal family and can no longer formally represent the Queen. However, the couple assures that “everything they do will continue to uphold the values of Her Majesty.”

Financial arrangements were also shared in Buckingham Palace’s statement. The couple will repay the taxpayer money that contributed to the refurbishment of their royal residence, Frogmore Cottage. They’ll also stop receiving public funds for royal duties.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s new arrangement will go into effect sometime this spring, per the statement from Buckingham Palace. “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are grateful to Her Majesty and the Royal Family for their ongoing support as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.”

This story is developing, but we’ll continue to update this post with details.

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