Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, have returned to the United Kingdom. But does that mean the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are working royals again?
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King Charles addressed the confusion in a letter issued on Sep. 7. Here are the details below.
Are Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Working Royals Once Again?
As reported by PEOPLE, King Charles directed a letter of guidance to senior government officials, the military, and Lord Lieutenancies. It emphasized that there is "no change" in the royal status of the 41-year-old Prince Harry and 44-year-old Markle.
The letter comes after several requests for clarity regarding the couple's return to the United Kingdom. The Lord Chamberlain, Lord Benyon, issued the direction on King Charles' behalf. It was also shared with Prince Harry and Markle's team.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are believed to be staying in a private home outside London. They returned to Britain last month because their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, are attending school there.
This Isn't a New Policy
The letter issued by King Charles outlines the terms Prince Harry and Markle agreed to in 2020 when they stepped back from their roles as working members of the royal family. The couple stated they wish to remain private citizens while living in the U.K.
The late Queen Elizabeth headed the so-called "Sandringham Summit" more than six years ago, when the terms of the couple's departure from their royal roles were outlined.
With Prince Harry back in the U.K., he will take part in a series of charity events in the country. They were planned ahead of the couple's return. However, the letter makes clear that they are being undertaken in a private capacity. Prince Harry or Markle are not returning to their royal duties.
King Charles' Entire Letter
Following the decision by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to relocate to the UK, we have received a number of requests for Guidance. To help avoid doubt or confusion, The King has directed that the following information be shared.
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. 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 follows that there is no change to the current status of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Their styles as His and Her Royal Highness remain in abeyance and are not used. 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.
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. Any operational security issues should continue to be directed to the relevant Police authorities
