Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan have returned to the United Kingdom after spending several years in the United States. 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 arrangement established in 2020 remains in effect.
British media reported that the couple was surprised by the public clarification. At the center of the matter is a letter from Buckingham Palace that not only reaffirms the Sussexes’ status but has also raised questions about the timing of the announcement.
King Charles III Reaffirms the Couple’s Status
The letter stated that Harry and Meghan are considered private citizens and do not carry out official duties for the royal family. Furthermore, the styles “His Royal Highness” and “Her Royal Highness” remain suspended and are not used officially.
According to media reports, the letter was written by the Lord Chamberlain on behalf of the King and sent to Harry’s team, government agencies, military representatives, and Lord Lieutenants. It refers to the 2020 Sandringham Agreement, which ruled out any blurring of the lines between commercial interests and official royal duties.
Harry and Meghan’s Spokesperson Criticizes the Process
The timing of the announcement caused further controversy. A spokesperson for the couple told the BBC: “We were a little surprised not to have been told about this in advance.” According to this account, the letter was sent to the couple less than an hour before it was published.
As a result, there was reportedly little time to brief Harry and Meghan or clarify specific points. Palace sources dispute this version of events, stating that the couple had received a copy of the letter in advance.
Return to the United Kingdom With Archie and Lilibet
At the end of August, the Sussexes returned to the United Kingdom with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. After spending several years in California, the family is reportedly planning to spend an extended period in the UK. There have been reports of a possible move to the Cotswolds, west of London.
Their exact place of residence has not yet been officially confirmed. What is clear, however, is that their return to the United Kingdom does not involve a return to working royal duties. Any earlier hope for an interim arrangement had already been ruled out following the couple’s decision to step back from royal duties.
Letter Sent Before Meeting on Police Protection
The timing of the letter has also attracted attention because of another issue. The statement was published shortly before a meeting of RAVEC, the committee responsible for reviewing the security arrangements of senior members of the royal family and other protected individuals.
According to reports in the British media, Harry and Meghan’s status as private citizens could be disadvantageous to them in this matter. The couple has reportedly been seeking round-the-clock police protection in the UK.
It remains unclear why the palace chose to release the statement at this particular time.
