Prince Harry and Meghan Express Surprise Over King Charles' Letter Clarifying Non-Working Royal Status

Prince Harry and Meghan are reportedly "surprised" by a letter from King Charles clarifying that the couple must be treated as "private citizens" following their return to the United Kingdom, according to a spokesperson for the Sussexes.

Sent on Monday by the UK’s Lord Chamberlain—the most senior officer of the British royal household—the letter emphasized that the Duke and Duchess stepped down from representative duties in January 2020 and are no longer working members of the royal family. The message, directed to government departments, the military, Lord-Lieutenants, and the Duke’s team, reaffirmed that this status remains unchanged.

The Palace issued the clarification following several requests as the royal family’s new diary period begins. The letter also stipulates that operational issues involving Prince Harry and Meghan should be directed to relevant police authorities, as Prince Harry continues his push for the UK Home Office to reinstate taxpayer-funded security.

Despite a turbulent history and a public falling out with the wider royal family following their departure to the US, the couple arrived back in the country with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, who have been enrolled in British schools. The letter noted that all charitable work by Prince Harry and Meghan is a personal matter undertaken in a private capacity, operating entirely separately from The Royal Household.