Published on •Updated
Prince Harry and his wife Meghan remain “private citizens” and are not to be considered working royals following their move back to the UK, according to a letter from King Charles III.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex and their two children – Archie and Lilibet – made the switch back from California last month, after having left for the Golden State in 2020 amid a bitter royal family feud.
The letter, shared by the Lord Chamberlain on behalf of the King, said that the couple will also not be able to use the titles of his and her royal highness.
“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,” the letter said.
“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,” it continued.
The letter was issued “to help avoid doubt or confusion” over Harry and Meghan’s status.
It also addressed the pair’s expected return to public appearances as they support their charities.
“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,” the letter said.
Harry and his family are reported to be living in a home in the affluent Cotswolds area of southwest and southcentral England since their return in August, with their children already having been found a new school.
Their move comes amid continuing uncertainty over their security arrangements and whether the state will fund any protection.
Addressing the security issue last month, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said it was a “private matter” for Harry and Meghan and that the government “wished them well” with their move.
The Royal and VIP Executive Committee decides which public figures and royals get security.
During Harry and Meghan’s six years in the US, they gave a tell-all interview to Oprah Winfrey in which they discussed their decision to head across the pond, with Harry pointing to scrutiny from the British press as well as a lack of support as part of their rationale for the move.
Additional sources • AFP