King Charles clarifies Harry, Meghan’s status as private citizens
By Dally Iyamu
Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, have reportedly been “surprised” by a letter from King Charles III clarifying that the couple should be treated as “private citizens” following their return to the United Kingdom.
A spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said the couple were surprised by the communication, which was issued on Monday by the UK’s Lord Chamberlain, the most senior officer of the British Royal Household.
The letter, sent to government departments, the military and Lord-Lieutenants, who represent the monarch across the UK, as well as Harry’s team, reaffirmed that there had been no change in the couple’s royal status.
It stated that it was “well known” that Harry and Meghan stepped down from undertaking representative duties on behalf of the Sovereign in January 2020 and were “no longer working Members of The Royal Family.”
“This position will continue to be fully respected,” the letter said, adding: “There is no change to the current status of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.”
The communication was issued following several requests for clarification about the Sussexes’ status as the royal family’s new diary period gets underway, according to reports.
The letter also stated that any operational issues involving Harry and Meghan should be directed to the relevant police authorities.
Harry has continued to challenge the decision to downgrade his publicly funded security in the UK after he and Meghan stepped back from royal duties and moved to North America in 2020.
The Royal and VIP Executive Committee, known as RAVEC, is expected to meet this week to discuss security arrangements for the Sussexes, with the meeting potentially taking place as early as Tuesday.
Harry and Meghan’s departure from royal duties was followed by a highly publicised falling-out with members of the wider royal family.
Despite the strained relationship, the couple returned to the UK late last month with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, who have reportedly been enrolled in British schools.
According to the Lord Chamberlain’s letter, any charitable activities undertaken by Harry and Meghan remain “a personal matter for them both” and are carried out in their private capacity.
“In short, their position is akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests,” the letter said.
It further directed that all correspondence and administrative matters concerning the couple should be sent directly to their office, which will continue to operate separately from the Royal Household.
