Prince Harry and Meghan Markle no longer live in England, but made it clear they have no intention of giving up a U.K. residence by renewing their soon-to-be-expired lease at Frogmore Cottage.

By keeping the lease on Frogmore Cottage (which was set to expire on March 31), The Telegraph reports that Harry will be allowed to continue serving as one of the Queen’s four Counsellors of State. So…what does that mean, exactly? Apparently, the Queen’s Counsellors of State can undertake some of her duties at her request if she falls temporarily ill. (Note: the Queen currently has Covid-19, but is still undertaking light duties and the “mood from the Palace is one of caution but no alarm.”)

The Queen’s counsellors are currently Prince Charles, Prince William, Prince Harry, and Prince Andrew (who could be stripped of the role). But in order to be a counsellor one has to be “domiciled” in the U.K., so by renewing his lease Harry is able to legally stay in the role and help his grandmother if the situation calls for it.

Of course, while the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have renewed their lease at Frogmore Cottage, Harry’s cousin Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank currently live at the property with their son, August. Harry, meanwhile, has made it clear that he’d like to visit England again with his family, but has security concerns that make that impossible for the time being.

Harry is fighting in court for the right to pay for his own police protection, and his lawyer Shaheed Fatima said during a recent High Court that “It goes without saying that he does want to come back to see family and friends and to continue to support the charities that are so close to his heart. This is and always will be his home.”

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