King Charles Put in Writing That Harry and Meghan Are Not Working Royals

Caption: King Charles III in July 2023. Credit: The White House via Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain.

A letter sent on King Charles’s behalf by the Lord Chamberlain, a senior Palace official, set out the status of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex following their return to Britain. It went to Prince Harry’s team and to government departments, the military and Lord Lieutenants. It states that the couple stepped down from undertaking representative duties on behalf of the Sovereign and are no longer working members of the Royal Family, and that they will not use the HRH titles.

Why a Letter Was Needed

Harry and Meghan left California and arrived in Britain on August 26, flying privately into Birmingham Airport with their two children. A move of that kind creates practical questions for the institutions that handle royal engagements. The letter describes the Sussexes as private citizens with commercial and charitable interests, and says their position, distinct from the state and royal duties undertaken by the working royal family, will continue to be fully respected.

What It Does Not Change

The letter restates the arrangement made in 2020 rather than creating a new one. The couple are not stripped of their royal connection and remain non-working royals. What is new is that the position has now been circulated in writing to the bodies that would otherwise have had to guess.

The Household Behind It

Archie, 7, and Lilibet, 5, started at British schools this month. The family is living in a non-royal residence outside London. The precise location has not been confirmed by the Palace, and reports placing it in the Cotswolds remain unconfirmed.

No Answer From the Other Side

The Sussexes have not issued a public response to the letter. Reporting indicates the King welcomes seeing more of them in a private and personal capacity, which is a different arrangement from the one the letter rules out.

References: King clarifies Harry and Meghan remain non-working royals | King Charles Confirms Prince Harry and Meghan Are Not Working Royals | King clarifies Prince Harry and Meghan’s royal status with new statement | Prince Harry and Meghan UK arrival: King Charles breaks cover as Sussexes settle into life in the UK