Prince Harry and Meghan are not working royals, King Charles has confirmed following confusion over their roles since returning to the UK.
In an official memorandum sent to government officials, military leaders, and regional representatives across the country, the King instructed that Harry and Meghan should be treated strictly as private citizens.
Royal aides emphasised that the directive aligns fully with the couple’s previously stated wish to live as private citizens, noting that the core principles of the 2020 Sandringham agreement – which established the terms of their departure from frontline royal life – remain firmly in place.
The note was distributed under the monarch’s direction by the Lord Chamberlain to resolve administrative uncertainty among public bodies.
“Following the decision by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to relocate to the UK, we have received a number of requests for guidance,” the memorandum explains. “To help avoid doubt or confusion, the King has directed that the following information be shared.”
The letter reaffirms that the couple’s HRH titles remain suspended and are not to be used in official contexts.
Clarifying the couple’s status, the document reads: “In short, their position is akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests,” stating that their philanthropic work is conducted in a personal capacity, entirely separate from the royal household.
The guidance arrives as the couple settle into life in Britain, marking a high-profile return six years after they stepped back from official duties and moved to Montecito, California.
Their return has raised fresh questions over their living arrangements. Having been asked to vacate their former Windsor residence, Frogmore Cottage, in 2023, the couple currently do not have an official royal address in the UK.
For now, the family are staying on a private estate in the Cotswolds while conducting a long-term search for a permanent home, where the Sussexes recently highlighted issues with their current private security arrangements.
Their homecoming follows years of public friction with the broader royal family, heightened by the couple’s 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey and the 2023 publication of Prince Harry’s memoir, Spare.
The couple’s security – which has triggered public controversy – is also addressed in the King’s note.
Prince Harry previously launched a multi-year legal battle against the Home Office over its 2020 decision to withdraw his automatic, state-funded police protection – a case he ultimately lost.
Addressing operational protocols for official organisations, the Palace outlined explicit procedures for handling future administrative and security requests.
“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 letter notes.
It adds: “Any operational security issues should continue to be directed to the relevant police authorities.”
Palace officials insisted there is nothing controversial about the letter, describing it as a routine administrative measure to assist regional authorities and civic representatives.
The written guidance nevertheless highlights the ongoing administrative questions around the couple’s status as they build out independent charitable projects across the country.
Decisions on whether state security is provided for specific public appearances will remain with Ravec, the committee responsible for royal and high-profile protection.
