The King has signalled that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will continue to be regarded as private individuals and will not carry out official royal engagements, even as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex spend time back in the UK.
In formal guidance issued to senior figures across government, the armed forces and those who act on behalf of the Royal Family nationwide, Charles stated that Harry and Meghan’s royal status remains in abeyance and that they should not be approached or received as working members of the monarchy.
The monarch also made clear that any questions concerning the Sussexes’ security arrangements should continue to be handled by the appropriate police authorities.
The instruction was circulated on the King’s behalf by the Lord Chamberlain, the most senior official in the royal household.
Palace sources stressed that the notice was issued in “full accordance” with the Sussex family’s previously stated desire to live as private citizens while in Britain, and that it remains consistent with the so-called “Sandringham agreement,” which officials say is still in force.
The letter, which confirms Harry and Meghan cannot use their HRH titles, has been shared with the Duke and Duchess.
It came on the same day that Harry was pictured in Britain for the first time since he and Meghan returned a fortnight ago.
The Duke smiled broadly while visiting Tower Bridge Studios – the central London premises where Diary of a CEO and The Apprentice are filmed – hours after the King’s letter was released.
The studio’s Instagram page posted: ‘Thank you Prince Harry for choosing Tower Bridge Studios! It was an absolute pleasure to have you in our studios and signing our wall. We look forward to welcoming you back again.’
Prince Harry was pictured today for the first time since he and Meghan Markle returned to the UK
The Duke was seen signing a wall at Tower Bridge Studios in central London, where The Apprentice and Diary of a CEO are filmed
Harry and Meghan at a David Foster Foundation event in Canada on August 7
King Charles III and Queen Camilla attend The Braemar Gathering in the Highlands on Saturday
King Charles with Harry at Windsor Castle after Queen Elizabeth II’s death in September 2022
William, Harry, Meghan and Charles at a Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey in 2019
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Charles’ letter read: ‘Following the decision by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to relocate to the UK, we have received a number of requests for guidance. To help avoid doubt or confusion, the King has directed that the following information be shared.
‘It is well known that in January 2020 the Duke and Duchess stepped down from undertaking representative duties on behalf of the Sovereign, and are no longer working members of the Royal Family.
‘This position, distinct from the state and royal duties undertaken by the working Royal Family, and with the personal latitude it brings the couple in respect of financial independence and protection of their privacy as they would wish, will continue to be fully respected.’
The letter – which was sent to relevant senior stakeholders across Government, the military and Lord Lieutenancies by the Lord Benyon, the Lord Chamberlain, who represents the Royal Household – continues: ‘It follows that there is no change to the current status of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Their styles as His and Her Royal Highness remain in abeyance and are not used.
‘The charitable work of the Duke and Duchess is a personal matter for them both and undertaken in their private capacity. In short, their position is akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests.
‘Any specific questions from official and State organisations about the courtesies which should be extended to the Duke and Duchess, and particularly where recourse to public funds may be required, should be directed to Buckingham Palace. Any operational security issues should continue to be directed to the relevant police authorities.
‘All correspondence and administrative questions relating to the couple should be sent directly to their office, which will continue to operate separately from the Royal Household.’
Officials have insisted there is nothing controversial or new around the letter’s contents, which simply make clear ‘the continued position for the benefit of all parties’.
However, the fact that the Palace needed to send the letter out in the first place demonstrates the level of confusion and consternation Harry and Meghan’s sudden to return to the UK has caused.
It will also be seen by some as a determined effort to put the couple in their place after sources close to them have repeatedly briefed out to favoured media in recent weeks their plans to undertake more charitable duties back in the UK.
The Sussexes returned to Britain a fortnight ago with their two children for what has been described as an ‘extended’ stay. Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet are believed to be starting at a British school this week.
The wider issue of a framework for security provision remains for the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) to determine, a source stressed.
Officials could not be pinned down as to how many people the letter had been sent to, particularly in government, aside from saying ‘a select few at an appropriate grade of seniority’.
Lord Lieutenants act as the personal representative of the monarch on in their assigned county or area. There are currently 98 across the UK.