The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have walked away from the monarchy after having to choose between personal freedom and royal duty.

In a statement issued on their behalf by Buckingham Palace, Harry and Meghan laid out the deal that had been agreed following a series of meetings.

But while answering a number of key questions about their future roles, there are four areas where more clarification will be needed:

How long will this arrangement last?

Be under no illusion, it’s because of the Queen that we’re looking at a deal being done about the Sussexes’ future so quickly.

Yes, she cares deeply about her grandson – but the whole thing was getting to be too much of a distraction from other important royal work.

I’ve been told that behind the scenes there was a genuine desire to come up with a new way of working for the Sussexes, that there were detailed discussions that were friendly and that everyone is pleased that they’ve got to this stage, although we do know that the Royal Family were disappointed and hurt by Harry and Meghan’s initial decision to go public without consulting other members of the family.

In her statement, the Queen talks about the intense scrutiny that Harry and Meghan have faced, but I think one of the other frustrations for the couple was the fact that they had to work within the constraints of the traditional royal role.

They want to focus on issues they care about. And while this agreement gives us some clarity about how their new independent life is going to work, there are still clearly many details to be ironed out.

For example, can they keep their Sussex Royal brand when they’re no longer going to be working royals?

I have also been told that there is still scope for the deal to be reviewed in a year’s time.

What does this mean for other royals?

The coming weeks and months are going to be fascinating as we look at exactly how this new set up is going to work.

It’s due to begin in Spring 2020, and we’re not being told a specific date. We also know that the couple will spend more of their time in North America than the UK.

But palace officials will be watching closely to see how it all pans out, and any potential implications for the monarchy when it comes to things like any business deals they decide to sign.

This is a completely new way for two members of the family to operate.

And it’s not just a blueprint for Harry and Meghan. Potentially this agreement could affect the roles of other younger members of the Royal Family going forward.

Who will foot the bill for security costs?

We are led to believe Harry and Meghan will split their time between the UK and North America – but the majority of that time is going to be in North America.

The couple expect security to be covered as part of this arrangement.

The Metropolitan Police provides security for members of the Royal Family, but it’s not exactly clear how it’s going to work if they’re over in North America or Canada.

That security cost would usually be paid for by the people of Canada.

How will the Sussexes pay for their new life?

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have agreed to repay £2.4m of taxpayers’ money spent on renovating their Berkshire home. And they will also lose their royal funding.

Harry also received money from his father via the Duchy of Cornwall. I understand the Prince of Wales will continue to offer some private financial support.

They have previously spoken of their desire to become financially independent – but how quickly this happens is yet to be seen.

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