A fresh chapter in the ongoing saga of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's relationship with the Royal Family has emerged, with reports suggesting a direct request from Meghan Markle was declined by King Charles III.
According to sources, the Duchess of Sussex expressed a desire to establish a formal office in the United Kingdom, a base from which she and Prince Harry could conduct their charitable and commercial endeavours. This request was reportedly made to the King's household, Clarence House, in the months following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
The King's response was said to be a firm and definitive refusal. This decision is widely interpreted as a clear signal that there is no path back to an official working role within the royal framework for the Sussexes. It underscores the King's commitment to a streamlined, modernised monarchy, with a clear distinction between working members of the family and those pursuing private lives and careers.
The reported denial effectively shuts down any speculation that the couple could operate with a hybrid model, balancing their independent, commercial projects in the United States with a semi-official presence in the UK. It reinforces the terms of their exit, which was made permanent after a one-year review period following their step back in 2020.
This development highlights the enduring tensions and the strictly defined boundaries that now exist between the Sussexes and the institution. While family relations are said to have improved, particularly between the King and Prince Harry, this decision confirms that professional reintegration is not on the table.
The couple's operational base remains in Montecito, California, where they have secured numerous lucrative deals with media giants like Netflix and Spotify. The absence of a UK office solidifies their status as entirely independent entities, separate from the machinery and support of the British monarchy.
