King Charles' letter labels Harry and Meghan as private citizens ahead of their UK return

King Charles sent a letter to the media stating that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle should be regarded as private citizens rather than working royals, a move intended to avoid confusion about their role after their return to the United Kingdom. The correspondence, released on Monday, emphasized that the couple would not resume senior royal duties and that any public engagements would require palace approval.

"Charles wrote a letter to clarify they are not working royals and they are considered private citizens so there is no confusion," a source told Us Weekly.

The letter was reportedly circulated to the press before Harry’s team could respond, leading to reports that the timing was deliberate. Insiders said the monarch wanted to alert the Duke and Duchess of Sussex before the notice became public, but the rapid distribution left little room for the couple’s input.

Harry and Meghan have expressed frustration with the label, arguing that they remain public figures whose identities are widely known. A source close to the couple said, "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."

Royal commentators noted that if the pair were truly private individuals, the Lord Chamberlain would not have needed to issue formal guidance. The letter also coincided with discussions by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures about extending police protection to the family, which includes their children, Archie and Lilibet.

Harry made his first public appearance in London at Tower Bridge Studios, while Meghan was seen having tea at a members-only retreat in the Cotswolds. The family arrived in the UK on Aug. 26 for an extended stay.