World
Palace Letter on Harry and Meghan's Non-Working Royal Status Catches Couple Off Guard
Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, were reportedly caught off guard by a letter issued on behalf of King Charles III that reaffirmed their status as non-working members of the Royal Family, according to a spokesperson for the couple cited by Reuters.
The letter came after Harry, Meghan and their children, Archie and Lilibet, moved back to the United Kingdom last month, six years after the couple stepped away from royal duties and relocated to the United States.
Authorised by King Charles and sent by the Lord Chamberlain on Monday, the letter was distributed to senior government officials, military leaders and Lord Lieutenants across the country. Its purpose was to confirm that nothing had changed in Harry and Meghan's standing since they stepped back from official duties in 2020.
A spokesperson for the couple said they were "a little surprised not to have been told about this in advance." However, royal sources indicated that Harry and Meghan had in fact been informed prior to the letter's public release. According to the BBC, the couple saw the letter roughly an hour before it was distributed to the media, and their surprise stemmed more from the limited response time they were given rather than its contents.
The Associated Press reported that the letter was intended "to help avoid doubt or confusion" regarding the couple's position following their return to Britain.
According to the BBC, the letter stated: "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." Reuters reported that the letter described their position as "akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests."
The letter reiterated that Harry and Meghan would continue to refrain from using the styles "His Royal Highness" and "Her Royal Highness," and that any public engagements they undertake would be in a private capacity rather than on behalf of the Royal Family.
The clarification arrives as the Sussexes are expected to make public appearances while settling into life in the UK and continuing their charitable initiatives. Harry is anticipated to remain involved with the Invictus Games, which are scheduled to take place in Birmingham next year.
Separately, the matter of taxpayer-funded security for the couple is also under review. The Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC), responsible for determining protective arrangements for royals and other prominent figures, is expected to convene this week to assess the level of security Harry and Meghan should receive now that they reside in the UK. Harry has previously contested the removal of automatic, publicly funded police protection following his departure from royal duties.
The letter noted that "any operational security issues should continue to be directed to the relevant police authorities." A Home Office spokesperson told the BBC that the UK's protective security system is "rigorous and proportionate," adding that specific details about individual security arrangements are not disclosed in order to preserve their effectiveness.