After spending several years in California, Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan have returned to the United Kingdom with their children, Archie and Lilibet. Shortly afterward, King Charles III issued a written statement confirming that neither of them is a working member of the royal family.

This means the policy established in 2020 remains in place: there are no plans for them to resume official royal duties or make a return as working royals. According to sources close to the couple, the public clarification came as a surprise to them, according to The Sun. The palace statement therefore appeared to set a clear boundary immediately following their return.

King Charles III Reaffirms Their Status as Private Citizens

The letter stated that Harry and Meghan are in a position comparable to that of private citizens who pursue business and charitable interests. Their use of the styles “His Royal Highness” and “Her Royal Highness” also remains suspended.

The letter refers to the 2020 Sandringham Agreement, which was reached after the couple stepped back from royal duties. Even then, an interim arrangement in which they would serve partly as private citizens and partly as working royals had been ruled out.

The Couple’s Spokesperson Says the Information Came Late

Sources close to the Sussexes said their team did not receive the letter until shortly before its publication. "We were a little surprised not to have been told about this in advance,” a spokesperson told The Sun. According to the spokesperson, the notice arrived just before the statement was published.

As a result, there was reportedly little time to fully brief Harry and Meghan or clarify specific points. Palace sources dispute this account, however, saying that the couple had received a copy of the letter in advance.

Letter Sent Before Meeting on Police Protection

It remains unclear why the palace chose to make the announcement public at this particular time. There has been speculation that it may be linked to an upcoming meeting of RAVEC, a committee that considers the security arrangements for senior members of the royal family. The committee is expected to discuss whether Harry and Meghan are entitled to government-funded police protection.

According to reports in the British media, people close to the couple fear that the letter could be detrimental to their position in this context.

Fear of Harry and Meghan Getting Too Much Attention

Royal expert Phil Dampier is also sounding the alarm over another issue. According to him, concerns that Harry and Meghan could steal the spotlight from other members of the royal family may be one reason behind the letter.

“When Harry and Meghan are out and about, who’s to say they won’t time things deliberately to overshadow other members of the Royal Family, particularly William and Catherine??” the expert told The Sun.

He added: “I think they’re trying it on. The fear is that once they start doing charity jobs and turning up for various functions, they will look like royals, talk like royals, and call themselves the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, but of course, they aren’t working royals.”

Return to the United Kingdom After Six Years in California

At the end of August, the Sussexes returned to the United Kingdom with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. According to reports, the family has moved to the Cotswolds, west of London. After six years in the United States, the move marks a significant shift in where they call home.

At the same time, the palace’s clarification does not change their official status. Their charitable and business activities will continue to be conducted privately and independently of the royal family. Under the existing arrangements, there are also no plans for either of them to use the HRH styles.