King Charles III has confirmed that Prince Harry and Meghan will remain non-working members of the royal family following their return to the United Kingdom.
The clarification means the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will not resume official duties on behalf of the monarch. They will also continue to refrain from using their His and Her Royal Highness styles.
The couple still hold the titles Duke and Duchess of Sussex, which Queen Elizabeth II granted them on their wedding day in 2018. However, their HRH styles have remained in abeyance since they stepped back from royal duties in 2020.
The Lord Chamberlain, the royal household’s most senior official, communicated the king’s position through a letter to senior government and military officials. He also sent it to lord lieutenants, who serve as the monarch’s representatives across the country.
“To help avoid doubt or confusion, The King has directed that (this) information be shared,” the letter said.
Charity work to remain private
The letter states that Harry and Meghan will conduct any charitable or commercial work in a private capacity. Their activities will not represent the king or the official work of the royal family.
Buckingham Palace first established this arrangement in 2020 after the couple decided to step away from royal duties. They later moved to the United States and built independent media, commercial and charitable ventures.
Read More:Harry and Meghan Plan UK Return Six Years After Royal Exit
The palace confirmed in February 2021 that the couple would not return as working royal family members. At the time, Harry relinquished several honorary military appointments, while the couple returned their royal patronages.
Their return to Britain after living in the United States for six years prompted questions about whether their position had changed. The new letter confirms that the original arrangement remains in place.
Some palace observers believe the public clarification reflects concern about confusion between the couple’s private activities and official royal work. Their presence in Britain could otherwise create the appearance of a parallel royal operation competing with working family members.
Security decisions remain with RAVEC
The letter also addressed Harry and Meghan’s security arrangements. It said operational decisions remain the responsibility of the relevant police and government agencies.
Harry has fought a long-running legal battle over the loss of publicly funded police protection. Authorities removed the automatic security arrangement after he and Meghan stopped carrying out official royal duties.
The Royal and VIP Executive Committee, known as RAVEC, decides the level of government-funded protection provided to senior royals and other public figures. The committee considers the circumstances and risks linked to individual visits.
Read More: How Prince Harry Makes Sure Princess Diana Is Never Forgotten
The palace has maintained that independent authorities, rather than the royal household, make operational security decisions.
“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,” the Lord Chamberlain said in his letter.
The clarification draws a firm boundary between the Sussexes’ family connection to the monarchy and their public role. They remain members of the royal family but will operate as private citizens rather than representatives of the Crown.
