King Charles' letter reaffirming his stance on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's status following their return to the UK won't solve one key issue, a royal expert says.
Harry, the King's younger son, and wife Meghan Markle made a surprise return to Britain towards the end of August, ending a six-year stint in California after stepping down as senior royals in early 2020. Tensions between the pair and the Palace have simmered since their departure, after they publicly criticised the institution and spoke openly about tensions with other members of the family.
Background of the Sussexes' departure
Queen Elizabeth II famously held a Sandringham "summit" in 2020 where it was said to have been agreed that the Sussexes couldn't have a semi-royal role after stepping back from frontline duties, and were either in or out. They were allowed to retain certain patronages of charities but could no longer represent the monarch or royal family. They also agreed not to take on commercial opportunities that would tarnish The Firm's standing. Additionally, while they kept their HRH styles, they agreed not to use them.
The Duke and Duchess have continued their work promoting various philanthropic endeavours stateside in a private capacity, alongside commercial ventures, in keeping within the terms of the agreement. But the choreography required to accommodate the two high-profile individuals at events, and the media scrum that has surrounded them, has often attracted claims from critics that some of them are "faux royal" in style, something their team has rejected.
The Palace's guidance
Their decision to settle down for an extended period in the UK took many off guard, and speculation immediately began to swirl about whether the couple could once again play a prominent role in The Firm. But on Monday, the Palace's most senior officer Richard Benyon put out guidance to senior officials in the Government and military reaffirming the King's position on the Sussexes' status, which remains unchanged.
The letter noted that the pair are "no longer working Members of The Royal Family" and that there is "no change to the current status of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex". "Their styles as His and Her Royal Highness remain in abeyance and are not used." It added that 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".
Expert's view on public perception
The Times' Royal Editor, Roya Nikkhah, appeared on Times Radio to discuss the impact of the guidance, and what difference it will make in practice. Though the letter seemed to stress that the engagements should not be seen as royal events, she suggested it will be hard to influence how they're perceived by the public.
"The reality is, you can send a letter out saying they're non-working royals, [but] they are senior members of the royal family - they just are - who are going to be here working, with the media covering their engagements," Ms Nikkhah said. "And they're going to look like royal engagements, whether you send a letter out or you don't."
