King Charles III has reaffirmed that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle remain non-working members of the Royal Family, despite their return to the United Kingdom.
A letter issued on behalf of the King by the Lord Chamberlain, one of the Palace’s senior officials, makes clear that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will not resume official royal duties.
The couple, who moved back to the UK with their children, Archie and Lilibet, last month, will continue to be regarded as private citizens and will not be permitted to use the “HRH” titles of His and Her Royal Highness.
According to Palace sources, the letter has been circulated to Harry’s representatives, government departments, military officials and Lord Lieutenants, who serve as the monarch’s representatives across the UK.
It also states that any public engagements undertaken by Harry and Meghan will be carried out in their private capacity and should not be regarded as official Royal Family engagements.
The clarification comes ahead of a number of expected public appearances by the Sussexes this autumn as they settle back into life in Britain and continue supporting their charitable causes.
The King’s position reiterates the terms agreed in 2020, when Harry and Meghan stepped back from royal duties under the arrangement commonly known as the Sandringham Agreement.
The agreement ruled out a “half-in and half-out” role, preventing the couple from combining independent commercial activities with official duties as working royals.
The letter stated “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 added, “The charitable work of the Duke and Duchess is a personal matter for them both and undertaken in their private capacity.”
The Palace has also asked organisations seeking guidance on how to receive Harry and Meghan, particularly in situations involving public funds, to contact Buckingham Palace.
Security arrangements remain a separate matter. The letter says: “Any operational security issues should continue to be directed to the relevant police authorities.”
Harry has previously raised concerns about the level of police protection available to him and his family in Britain.
However, the Palace maintains that security decisions fall under the Royal and VIP Executive Committee, known as Ravec, which is responsible for determining protection for members of the Royal Family and other prominent public figures.
Palace sources said the decision to make the letter public was taken in the interest of transparency and to prevent its contents from emerging through leaks.
Representatives of Harry and Meghan have been approached for comment.
