A letter sent on behalf of King Charles by the Lord Chamberlain has clarified that Prince Harry and Meghan remain non-working royals despite their return to the UK, with their position described as "akin to private citizens."
The move marks a firm stance from the King, who for years has been accused by some royal commentators of being too soft on the couple after their public criticisms and media projects while living in the US.
Ground rules set after Sussexes' UK return
With Harry, Meghan, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet now back in the country, the first priority for King Charles is to establish clear ground rules on what the Sussexes can and cannot do, according to opinion writer Chris Riches.
The letter stresses that Harry and Meghan should not be referred to as "His and Her Royal Highness" and that their position is "akin to private citizens." This means any celebrity guest appearances they make will not be as representatives of the Royal Family.
Recent trips under scrutiny
Earlier this year, the couple tested the waters with a trip to Jordan and a mini-tour of Australia, both of which gave the impression they were working royals, the article notes.
The relationship between Harry and his brother Prince William has been described as "glacial-cold," partly due to Harry's public airing of private disagreements, including claims in his memoir Spare that reportedly contributed to £20m in book sales.
A necessary message
Riches argues the statement is a bold but necessary message, saying "Harry and Meghan don't do subtle." The clarification is expected to sting the Sussexes, but the opinion piece concludes that the truth "hurts sometimes."
