King Charles makes Harry and Meghan’s roles clear as he pens letter after UK return
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s return to the UK has caused King Charles to issue a letter highlighting that the pair are strictly non-working royals and here as private citizens
King Charles has made it clear that Harry and Meghan are not working royals(Image: Getty)
King Charles has drawn a firm line in the sand, issuing a direct message to clear up any confusion following Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s return to the UK.
In guidance sent across government departments, the armed forces and regional representatives of the Crown, the monarch made it crystal clear that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are strictly non-working royals. Their titles are to remain in abeyance, and officials have been instructed to treat them simply as private citizens.
The official memo was distributed on the King’s direct order by the Lord Chamberlain, his highest-ranking official. Palace insiders insist the formal step was taken in “full accordance” with the Sussexes’ own stated desire to live as private citizens on British soil.
Harry and Meghan have recently moved back to the UK(Image: Getty Images)
Officials stressed that the original “Sandringham agreement” established when the couple first stepped back “still stands”. The document, which has also been shared with Harry and Meghan, sets out the exact boundaries for their presence in the country.
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.
“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.
King Charles has made their positions very clear(Image: Samir Hussein, Samir Hussein/WireImagevia Getty Images)
“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.”
Penned on behalf of the Lord Chamberlain by Lord Benyon, the letter leaves no room for misunderstanding regarding their official standing: “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.
Harry in London in September. Credit: Tower Bridge Studios
“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.”
While royal aides will insist the memo contains nothing controversial or new, the timing speaks volumes after the deep unease and uncertainty caused behind palace doors by the couple’s sudden move back to the UK.
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