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The clarification came after the couple’s recent return to Britain from the United States with their two children, Archie and Lilibet.
Harry and Meghan quit royal duties in 2020 following a major rift with the royal family. (AFP file photo)
King Charles III has made clear that his son Prince Harry and his wife Meghan are not to be treated as working members of the British royal family, even after their return to the UK.
A letter issued by the Lord Chamberlain, the most senior official in the Royal Household, said the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had stepped down from royal duties in 2020 and their position remained “akin to private citizens”.
The clarification came after the couple’s recent return to Britain from the United States with their two children, Archie and Lilibet.
Royal role remains off the table
Harry and Meghan quit royal duties in 2020 following a major rift with the royal family. They later moved to the US and have since carried out charitable and commercial work independently.
The letter said their decision to remain outside the working royal family would be respected, including their financial independence and wish for privacy.
“This position, distinct from the state and royal duties undertaken by the working royal family, and with the personal latitude it brings the couple in respect of financial independence and protection of their privacy as they would wish, will continue to be fully respected,” the letter stated.
It also confirmed that their styles as “His and Her Royal Highness” are not used.
Working royals, by contrast, carry out official duties on behalf of the monarch and receive administrative support from the Royal Household. The group includes King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William, Catherine, Princess of Wales, Princess Anne and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.
Security question comes back
The status clarification also comes amid questions over security arrangements for Harry and Meghan following their return.
Harry lost police protection funded by the state after stepping down from royal duties and later challenged the decision in court. He lost his bid to restore his previous level of security.
Security for senior royals and other protected figures is assessed by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee, an independent body overseen by the Home Office.
Harry’s return to Britain could lead to a fresh assessment of the threat he faces, though any decision on state-funded protection would depend on the security review.
The letter also stressed that the couple’s charitable activities are undertaken in their private capacity.
“The charitable work of the duke and duchess is a personal matter for them both and undertaken in their private capacity. In short, their position is akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests,” the letter said.
(With inputs from agencies)
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Ask News18King Charles III has clarified that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are to be treated as private citizens, not working members of the British royal family, a position that has been consistent since they stepped down from royal duties in 2020. Their charitable and commercial work is undertaken in a private capacity, and their styles as “His and Her Royal Highness” are not used.
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September 08, 2026, 12:34 AM IST
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