The King has formally reminded the Duke and Duchess of Sussex that they remain private citizens and will not return to royal duties, despite their recent relocation to the United Kingdom. Charles has instructed the Lord Chamberlain to contact government departments and the military following a series of requests for guidance regarding the couple's status.
Harry and Meghan stepped down as working royals in January 2020, but their return to the UK on August 26 sparked renewed speculation about their future. In a letter issued on behalf of the monarch, the Palace sought to clarify the couple's position. The letter states: 'Following the decision by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to relocate to the UK, we have received a number of requests for guidance. To help avoid doubt or confusion, The King has directed that the following information be shared.'
Official confirmation of their status
The letter goes on to confirm that the couple are no longer working members of the Royal Family. It reads: 'It is well known that in January 2020 the Duke and Duchess stepped down from undertaking representative duties on behalf of The Sovereign, and are no longer working Members of The Royal Family.'
It adds: '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.'
No change to titles or charitable work
The letter also makes clear that there is no change to Harry and Meghan's current status, meaning they cannot use their titles in practice. It continues: '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.'
The couple's office will continue to operate separately from the Royal Household, with official correspondence and administrative matters sent directly to their representatives. Royal officials have reportedly stressed that there is nothing new or controversial about the guidance, according to the Daily Mail. However, the fact that the Palace has sent a letter addressing the couple's position shows that their UK return has caused confusion.
Security and future projects
The issue of security remains a separate matter that will be considered by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures, known as Ravec. This comes after it was revealed that Meghan is set to appear in season three of Guy Ritchie's The Gentlemen. Previously, it was claimed that the Duchess of Sussex scrapped the offer, which is said to be worth seven figures, after there was 'intense' backlash.
However, a source told The Sun: 'Her return to acting is expected to draw a large audience of both her supporters and critics, and is likely to make a lot of money. It will be seen as a major coup for whoever signs her.'
