London, September 8: King Charles III has reaffirmed that Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, will remain non-working members of the Royal Family despite their recent return to the United Kingdom.
A letter issued on behalf of the King by the Lord Chamberlain and circulated to senior government, military and other officials makes clear that there has been “no change” to the couple’s current status. The move comes after Harry, Meghan and their two children, Archie and Lilibet, returned to Britain from California in August.
According to the letter, Harry and Meghan continue to be private citizens with commercial and charitable interests. Their charitable activities will be conducted in a personal and private capacity, rather than as representatives of the monarch or the Royal Family.
The couple stepped back from their senior royal duties in 2020 and subsequently moved to the United States. Under the arrangement reached at the time, they stopped carrying out official engagements on behalf of the monarch and agreed not to use their His and Her Royal Highness (HRH) styles publicly.
The latest communication confirms that the HRH styles remain in abeyance and are not to be used. Harry and Meghan continue to be formally known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
The clarification was reportedly issued following requests from officials for guidance on how Harry and Meghan should be treated during their return to Britain. Their office will continue to operate separately from the Royal Household, while any public engagements undertaken by the couple will not be regarded as official royal duties.
The issue of security also remains sensitive. Harry has previously raised concerns about security arrangements for his family in Britain. Decisions concerning their protection remain with the relevant British authorities, including the Royal and VIP Executive Committee.
Harry and Meghan are expected to undertake charitable and public activities while living in the UK. Harry is also expected to continue supporting causes including the Invictus Games. Meghan, meanwhile, retains her commercial interests.
The King’s latest message therefore draws a clear line between the Sussexes’ return to Britain and a return to royal duties: they may live, work and conduct charitable activities in the UK, but they will not resume their roles as working royals.
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