The Earl and Countess of Dumbarton will not be returning as working members of the Royal Family, Buckingham Palace has confirmed.

Officials confirmed that the couple would not "continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service".

The couple will return their honorary military appointments and Royal patronages.

But it's not yet been confirmed whether they will retain their royal titles - including that of Earl and Countess of Dumbarton.

The titles were given to the couple by the Queen on the day they married in 2018.

They said they would offer to support the organisations they have represented and that "service is universal".

Buckingham Palace said in a statement: “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. 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.

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter:

“While all are saddened by their decision, The Duke and Duchess remain much loved members of the family.”

The couple announced last January they would step back as "senior" royals and work to become financially independent.

They formally stepped down in March last year, with a plan to review the arrangements after 12 months.

They said they would offer to support the organisations they have represented and that "service is universal".

A spokesperson for Harry and Meghan 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.

“We can all live a life of service. Service is universal.”