King Charles has issued a letter clarifying the status of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan, confirming they are to be treated as “private citizens” and not working royals following their return to the UK.
The letter, sent on behalf of the King by the Lord Chamberlain, specified that the couple would not be permitted to use their “His and Her Royal Highness” titles and that any charity work undertaken would be in a private capacity, not representing the Royal Family.
King’s Letter and Palace Stance
The communication was distributed to relevant senior stakeholders across government, the military, and Lord Lieutenancies. According to Palace sources, the letter aimed to make clear the continued position for all parties, asserting there was “nothing controversial or new” in its contents and that it was in full accordance with the Sussex family’s stated wishes to remain private citizens while in the UK, as well as the 2020 Sandringham summit agreement, as reported by The Telegraph. The BBC added that the letter also clarified that questions regarding the reception of the Sussexes, especially where public funds might be required, should be directed to Buckingham Palace, and operational security issues to relevant police authorities.
Prince Harry and Meghan’s office was reportedly given just one hour’s notice of the letter before it was shared with the media. Aides informed the Duke at 3:09 pm on a Monday that a letter had been drafted, unaware it had already been shared with the media three minutes prior at 3:06 pm.
The Sussexes’ Reaction and Perspective
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were described as having taken the news with an “intemperately hurt rejoinder,” with their spokesperson stating the couple “were a little surprised not to have been told about this in advance,” according to The Guardian. Prince Harry is understood to be frustrated that such a letter, describing him and his wife as “private citizens,” was sent without any consultation.
The Sussexes reportedly prefer the term “public figures” over “private citizens” and would have welcomed an acknowledgement that, on a personal level, they remained members of the Royal Family despite no longer receiving public funding. The tension created by the letter, despite asserting the status quo, highlights the level of mistrust between the two sides.
Reaffirming the Sandringham Agreement
The King’s message emphasises that the terms agreed in 2020 when the Sussexes initially left the UK, known as the Sandringham Agreement, remain firmly in place. This agreement, convened by Elizabeth II and attended by key senior royals, ruled out any “half-in and half-out” status, making it clear that a member of the Royal Family could not pursue private business interests while also representing the Sovereign.
Under the Sandringham Agreement, the Duke and Duchess ceased using their HRH titles for official duties, committed to repaying £2.4 million of taxpayer money for Frogmore Cottage refurbishment, and Prince Harry was relieved of his official military appointments. The couple subsequently established their financial independence in California, with Prince Harry releasing his memoir, Spare, and Meghan creating an online food range.
Implications and Future Appearances
The letter has already had ripple effects, with The Guardian reporting that the military chief of Uganda announced his country was pulling out of Prince Harry’s Invictus Games, stating they did not want to participate in something “that does not have His Majesty’s approval.” The Invictus Games are scheduled to be held in Birmingham next year, with Prince Harry expected to support his charities.
Disputes concerning Prince Harry and Meghan’s security in the UK remain unresolved, with the Palace stating this must be addressed by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec). Ahead of likely public appearances this autumn, Prince Harry has been pictured at a London TV and podcast studio, and there have been reports that Meghan is considering a return to acting. For further royal news, read about Princess Anne’s new step-grandmother role.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are Prince Harry and Meghan considered working royals in the UK?
No, a letter from King Charles confirmed they are “private citizens” and not working royals, unable to carry out official engagements on behalf of the Crown.
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What are the key terms of the Sussexes’ status outlined by the King’s letter?
The letter states they cannot use “His and Her Royal Highness” titles, and any charity work they undertake is in a private capacity, not representing the Royal Family.
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How was the letter received by Prince Harry and Meghan’s team?
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were given only one hour’s notice of the letter, and their spokesperson stated they were “a little surprised not to have been told about this in advance.”
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