King Charles Reiterates Non Working Royal Status of Harry and Meghan Following UK Return

King Charles has issued a formal letter clarifying that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle remain non working royals and private citizens following their return to the United Kingdom last month. The letter, sent by Lord Chamberlain Richard Benyon to government departments, military officials, and Lord Lieutenants, states that the couple will not undertake representative duties on behalf of the Sovereign. It further specifies that their titles of His and Her Royal Highness remain in abeyance and that any charitable work they perform is a personal matter conducted in a private capacity.

A spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stated the couple were surprised not to have been told about the letter in advance. Reports indicate the couple's team received the contents shortly before the information was shared with the media, leaving little time for a response. Conversely, royal sources told the BBC that the couple were made aware of the letter before it became public.

The clarification comes as the couple settles back into Britain, where their children, Archie and Lilibet, are expected to start school. The letter emphasizes that the 2020 agreement, which ruled out a half in and half out status, remains in effect to protect the couple's financial independence and privacy.

Simultaneously, the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC) is meeting this week to discuss taxpayer funded security for the family. While Prince Harry has previously raised concerns about his protection in the UK, a Home Office spokesperson stated that the government's protective security system is rigorous and proportionate, adding that the office does not provide detailed information on such arrangements to avoid compromising security.