King Charles describes Harry and Meghan as private citizens, sparking criticism

King Charles III sent a letter to senior officials in the United Kingdom government this week stating that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle remain non-working members of the royal family and that their status is "akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests." The correspondence, issued through the Lord Chamberlain, was intended to clarify the couple's role following their return to Britain.

Sources close to the Sussexes disputed the characterization, saying the pair are well-known public figures and that a truly private life is not feasible for them. > "They are public figures. Members of the public know who they are. The idea that they can live a normal, 'private' life is sadly not realistic," a source told People.

A spokesperson for Harry and Meghan said the couple was "a little surprised" they had not been given advance notice of the letter before it became public. The royal household indicated the message was shared to avoid doubt or confusion.

The Sussexes, who stepped down from senior royal duties in 2020 and relocated to California, have recently moved back to the United Kingdom with their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, reportedly settling in the Cotswolds. The timing of the letter coincided with Uganda withdrawing from the Invictus Games, an event founded by Prince Harry in 2014.