WEBDESK - NAYADAUR
King Charles III has made clear that Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, remain non-working members of the British royal family despite their recent return to the United Kingdom.
A letter issued on behalf of the King by the Lord Chamberlain, one of the Palace's senior officials, states that the couple will not undertake official engagements on behalf of the monarch or the Royal Family.
The message was sent to Prince Harry's representatives, government departments, military officials and Lord Lieutenants, the monarch's representatives in England, according to Palace sources.
The clarification comes after Harry and Meghan returned to Britain with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, following several years living in California. Their return has prompted renewed questions about whether they could resume some form of public royal role.
The Palace's position is that their status has not changed.
Harry and Meghan stepped back from official royal duties in January 2020 under an arrangement commonly known as the Sandringham Agreement. The agreement ruled out a "half-in, half-out" arrangement in which the couple could retain royal duties while pursuing independent commercial interests.
The latest letter reiterates that the agreement remains in effect.
"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 says.
It adds that the couple's charitable activities are "a personal matter for them both" and are conducted in their private capacity.
The distinction is significant because Lord Lieutenants, government officials and other public bodies frequently coordinate with working royals during official visits. Any future appearances by Harry and Meghan will therefore not be treated as engagements carried out on behalf of the King.
The Palace has also indicated that organizations seeking guidance on arrangements for visits by the Sussexes, particularly when public money may be involved, should contact Buckingham Palace.
The clarification comes as Harry is expected to continue supporting causes associated with his charitable work, including the Invictus Games, which are scheduled to take place in Birmingham next year.
Harry and Meghan's relationship with the British royal establishment has remained strained since their departure. They subsequently established their financial independence in the United States, with Harry publishing his memoir, Spare, and Meghan developing commercial ventures, including her As Ever lifestyle brand.
Meghan has also been linked to a possible return to acting.
The couple's security arrangements in Britain remain a separate issue. Harry has previously challenged the level of police protection available to him and his family during visits to the country.
The Palace letter says operational security matters should continue to be handled by the relevant police authorities, while decisions concerning royal and VIP protection fall under the Royal and VIP Executive Committee, known as Ravec.
Palace sources said the decision to make the Lord Chamberlain's message public was intended to promote transparency and avoid speculation arising from possible leaks.
Harry and Meghan's representatives have been approached for comment.
For now, the King's message leaves little room for ambiguity: the Sussexes may carry out charitable and other activities in Britain, but they will do so as private citizens rather than as working representatives of the Crown.