King Charles Sends Letter Confirming Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Remain Private Citizens
A letter from King Charles clarified that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will not use royal titles or perform official duties, prompting surprise from their office after the couple returned to the UK.
King Charles issued a letter reaffirming that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will continue to be treated as private citizens, without the use of the "His/Her Royal Highness" titles or official royal engagements. The correspondence, sent to Harry’s team, the UK government, the military and local lord-lieutenants, stated that the couple stepped down from representative duties in January 2020 and remain "private citizens with commercial and charitable interests."
The palace explained the note was intended to "avoid doubt or confusion" about their status following the Sussexes' return to England at the end of August. A source close to Harry indicated the couple was surprised by the timing of the letter, not its content, and that they accept they are not working royals but objected to the letter’s delivery just before it was released to the media.
Harry and Meghan moved back to the United Kingdom after six years in California, citing a desire to be closer to family. Their relocation coincided with King Charles' recent health announcement. The couple’s move included a change of residence and plans for their children to attend a private school in the UK.
Royal commentator Tom Sykes remarked that the day marking four years since Queen Elizabeth II's death should be a time of remembrance, not a public dispute involving the royal family. No comment was received from representatives of Harry, Meghan or King Charles.