The King has moved to underline that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have not resumed roles as working members of the Royal Family after their return to Britain.
In formal guidance circulated to senior figures across government, the armed forces and organisations that act on behalf of the monarchy nationwide, King Charles stated that Harry and Meghan’s royal status remains inactive and that they should be regarded strictly as private citizens.
The monarch also made clear that any matters relating to security should continue to be handled by the appropriate police authorities.
The instruction was issued on the King’s behalf by his most senior household official, the Lord Chamberlain.
Palace sources stressed that the message was sent in “full accordance” with the Sussexes’ previously expressed desire to live as private individuals while in the UK, and remains consistent with the so-called Sandringham agreement, which officials say is still in force.
The letter, which reiterates that Prince Harry and Meghan cannot use their HRH styles and are not authorised to carry out duties for the Royal Family, has also been provided to the couple.
It states that, following the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s decision to relocate to the United Kingdom, a number of questions had been raised, prompting the King to order that clear guidance be shared to prevent uncertainty or misunderstanding.
The letter goes on to note that, as is widely known, Harry and Meghan stepped back in January 2020 from carrying out representative duties for the Sovereign and have not been working members of the Royal Family since.
‘This position, distinct from the state and royal duties undertaken by the working Royal Family, and with the personal latitude it brings the couple in respect of financial independence and protection of their privacy as they would wish, will continue to be fully respected.’
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at a David Foster Foundation event in Canada on August 7
King Charles III and Queen Camilla attend The Braemar Gathering in the Highlands on Saturday
King Charles with Harry at Windsor Castle after Queen Elizabeth II’s death in September 2022
William, Harry, Meghan and Charles at a Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey in 2019
The letter – which was sent to relevant senior stakeholders across Government, the military and Lord Lieutenancies by the Lord Benyon, the Lord Chamberlain, who represents the Royal Household – continues: ‘It follows that there is no change to the current status of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Their styles as His and Her Royal Highness remain in abeyance and are not used.
‘The charitable work of the Duke and Duchess is a personal matter for them both and undertaken in their private capacity. In short, their position is akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests.
‘Any specific questions from official and State organisations about the courtesies which should be extended to the Duke and Duchess, and particularly where recourse to public funds may be required, should be directed to Buckingham Palace. Any operational security issues should continue to be directed to the relevant police authorities.
‘All correspondence and administrative questions relating to the couple should be sent directly to their office, which will continue to operate separately from the Royal Household.’
Officials have insisted there is nothing controversial or new around the letter’s contents, which simply make clear ‘the continued position for the benefit of all parties’.
However, the fact that the Palace needed to send the letter out in the first place demonstrates the level of confusion and consternation Harry and Meghan’s sudden to return to the UK has caused.
It will also be seen by some as a determined effort to put the couple in their place after sources close to them have repeatedly briefed out to favoured media in recent weeks their plans to undertake more charitable duties back in the UK.
The Sussexes returned to Britain a fortnight ago with their two children for what has been described as an ‘extended’ stay. Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet are believed to be starting at a British school this week.
The wider issue of a framework for security provision remains for the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) to determine, a source stressed.
Officials could not be pinned down as to how many people the letter had been sent to, particularly in government, aside from saying ‘a select few at an appropriate grade of seniority’.
Lord Lieutenants act as the personal representative of the monarch on in their assigned county or area. There are currently 98 across the UK.
