A spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex says they were surprised to see the Royal Household had sent out a letter clarifying the official status of Harry and Meghan as non-working royals.
The spokesperson said the pair “were a little surprised not to have been told about this in advance.”
But royal sources say Harry and Meghan were made aware of the letter before it was made public.
It is also understood a Home Office security committee is meeting today to look at the possibility of tax payer funded security for the family now they are living back in the UK.
The letter, sent on behalf of the King, was intended to clarify the status of Prince Harry and Meghan, who moved back from California with children Archie and Lilibet last month.
They will still not be able to use titles of “His and Her Royal Highness”, and remain “private citizens”, said the letter sent on behalf of the King by the Lord Chamberlain, a top Palace official.
The letter was sent to Prince Harry’s team, government departments, military officials and Lord Lieutenants, according to Palace sources.
The message from the King emphasised that the position agreed in 2020 when the Sussexes left the UK – the so-called Sandringham Agreement – is still in place.
This ruled out any “half-in and half-out” status, so Harry and Meghan could not pursue their own commercial interests while continuing to be working royals.
