Prince Harry and his wife Meghan were surprised by a letter sent on behalf of King Charles III clarifying that they remain non-working members of the British royal family and private citizens, their spokesperson said.The letter, authorised by Charles and sent to senior British officials on Monday, made clear that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were no longer working members of the royal family.According to Reuters, a spokesperson for the couple said Harry and Meghan had only been informed shortly before the letter was sent and were surprised by what had occurred.The couple and their two children returned to live in Britain last month, six years after stepping down from royal duties and moving to the United States during a period of strained relations with the royal family.Their return had also come as a surprise to close family members, with Harry’s father, the king, being informed only days before the news became public, according to Reuters.
King reiterates Harry and Meghan’s private status
The letter said the couple’s status, originally agreed with the late Queen Elizabeth in 2020, gave them personal latitude “in respect of financial independence and protection of their privacy as they would wish”.“It follows that there is no change to the current status of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. … The charitable work of the Duke and Duchess is a personal matter for them both and undertaken in their private capacity,” the letter said.“In short, their position is akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests.”The letter was sent by the Lord Chamberlain, the most senior official in the royal household, to senior government and military officials, as well as lord lieutenants, who serve as the king’s personal representatives around the country.“To help avoid doubt or confusion, the King has directed that (this) information be shared,” the letter said, according to Reuters.The communication also reiterated that Harry and Meghan would continue to refrain from using their royal titles as they have done since stepping back from official royal duties in 2020.Any charitable work undertaken by them would be carried out in a private capacity.The letter said questions from official and state organisations about courtesies extended to the couple, particularly where public funds may be involved, should be directed to Buckingham Palace.
Security decision due after Harry’s return
The question of Harry’s publicly funded security remains a separate issue.Since leaving for the United States, Harry has accused the royal family of neglect, the tabloid press of ruining his life and the government of failing to provide automatic police protection that would allow him to return to Britain.A committee responsible for deciding the level of security provided to him at public expense is due to meet this week to determine what protection he and his family should receive following their return.The government panel, known as RAVEC, or the Royal and VIP Executive Committee, is responsible for the decision on whether round-the-clock police protection should be restored.The letter said operational security decisions remained matters for the relevant police agencies.Harry has fought a long-running legal and public battle over the withdrawal of his publicly funded police protection after he and Meghan gave up their royal roles.
Couple continue commercial and charitable work
Since moving to the United States, Harry and Meghan have continued to attract public attention and have entered into several commercial arrangements.They have struck a number of commercial deals, most notably with streaming company Netflix, while Meghan has launched her lifestyle brand As Ever.The letter from the king said the couple’s charitable work would remain a private matter and that their position was that of private citizens with commercial and charitable interests.The clarification comes after their return to Britain, while their formal status within the royal family remains unchanged.
