Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Have Split Royal Households from Kate Middleton and Prince William

In the spring of 2019, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, formally separated their royal household operations from those of Prince William and Catherine, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. This organizational change marked the end of the shared “court” the two couples had previously maintained at Kensington Palace. As part of the transition, the Sussexes established their own independent office based at Buckingham Palace. The move involved appointing a separate communications team and administrative staff to support their growing portfolio of engagements and responsibilities. The restructuring reflected the evolving roles of both couples within the royal family, as they began to focus on distinct priorities and initiatives. Prior to this shift, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge had operated under a joint household, coordinating public engagements, charitable work, and communications. The decision to separate was described by palace officials as a practical step to allow each couple to manage their work more effectively and independently. The establishment of a separate office for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle preceded further structural changes later in 2019 and 2020, including the division of charitable foundations and their eventual transition away from senior royal duties. The spring 2019 move represented an early stage in the broader reorganization of their roles within the monarchy. Why This Moment Matters The separation of households marked a structural shift in how the two royal couples operated, setting the stage for further independence in their public roles and organizational arrangements.