Harry and Meghan 'Surprised' by Palace Letter Reaffirming Private Status
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were surprised by a letter from the King's office reaffirming their status as private citizens.
Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have expressed surprise over a recent letter issued on behalf of King Charles that reaffirms their status as non-working members of the royal family. The communication, sent by the Lord Chamberlain, the most senior official in the royal household, was dispatched to various government departments, military offices, and the monarch's representatives across the UK.
The letter states that it is "well known" that the couple stepped down from their representative duties in January 2020 and are no longer working members of the royal family. It clarifies that this position will continue to be fully respected and that there is no change to their current status. The correspondence was reportedly issued to provide clarity following several requests, as the royal family's new schedule begins.
The palace letter also notes that all charitable work undertaken by the couple is a personal matter conducted in their private capacity. It describes their position as being akin to "private citizens with commercial and charitable interests." Furthermore, it directs that all correspondence and administrative questions regarding the couple should be sent directly to their own office, which operates separately from the royal household.
The couple, who moved to North America in 2020 before a public falling out with the wider royal family, recently returned to the UK with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, who have been enrolled in British schools. The Royal and VIP Executive Committee is expected to meet this week to discuss the Sussexes' arrangements.