Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly named the titles they would rather adopt as they make their comeback to the UK following the King's description of them as "private citizens".
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made a dramatic homecoming to Britain in late August, and are reportedly establishing themselves in Oxfordshire with Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five, registered at local schools. Their return to the UK has prompted King Charles III to outline the Sussexes' status and titles.
King's letter outlines status
In a letter sent to senior government and military figures, Charles stated Harry and Meghan would not use formal royal titles, such as His Royal Highness and Her Royal Highness, as they have done since withdrawing from official royal responsibilities in 2020. It noted that any charitable endeavours undertaken by the pair would be conducted in a "private capacity".
The correspondence, issued to media on Monday (September 7), caught the Duke and Duchess off guard. Multiple UK news sources have reported Harry and Meghan wish to be recognised as "public figures" instead.
Sussexes' preferred title
The Sussexes would favour "public figures" as they believe it would "acknowledge that, on a personal level, they remained members of the Royal Family, despite no longer receiving public funding", a briefing document from the couple stated, according to the Daily Mail.
They also "were a little surprised not to have been told about" the King's correspondence "in advance", a representative for the duo revealed. Sources revealed the Sussexes' office were given just an hour's warning to absorb its contents before it went public. They also claimed Harry had merely two minutes to review the letter before publication, as he was attending a meeting in London and couldn't be contacted earlier.
Meghan has yet to make a public appearance, but has allegedly enjoyed coffee at Soho Farmhouse, an exclusive private members' club popular with the Beckhams and Paul McCartney in Oxfordshire, where the pair are reportedly residing. Buckingham Palace and representatives for Harry and Meghan have been approached for comment.
