The King has reminded the Duke and Duchess of Sussex that they are still private citizens and will not return to royal duties despite their return to the UK.
Charles has instructed the Lord Chamberlain to contact government departments and the military following requests for guidance. Harry and Meghan stepped down as working royals in 2020, but after their return to the UK on August 26, rumours surrounding their future began to circulate.
Letter clarifies couple's position
In a letter on behalf of the monarch, it reads: 'Following the decision by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to relocate to the UK, we have received a number of requests for guidance. To help avoid doubt or confusion, The King has directed that the following information be shared.
'It is well known that in January 2020 the Duke and Duchess stepped down from undertaking representative duties on behalf of The Sovereign, and are no longer working Members of The Royal Family.
'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.'
Status and charitable work
Harry and Meghan's return, with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, comes after the pair moved to the US and became financially independent from the Royal Family. The letter also states that there is no change to Harry and Meghan's current status, meaning they cannot use their titles in practice.
The letter continues: '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 couple's office will continue to operate separately from the Royal Household, with official correspondence and administrative matters sent directly to their representatives.
Royal officials have reportedly stressed that there is nothing new or controversial about the guidance, according to the Daily Mail. However, the fact that the Palace has sent a letter addressing the couple's position shows that their UK return has caused confusion.
Security and acting return
The issue of security, however, remains a separate issue that will be considered by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures, known as Ravec.
This comes after it was revealed that Meghan is set to appear in season three of Guy Ritchie's The Gentlemen. Previously, it was claimed that the Duchess of Sussex scrapped the offer, which is said to be worth seven figures, after there was 'intense' backlash.
However, a source told The Sun: 'Her return to acting is expected to draw a large audience of both her supporters and critics, and is likely to make a lot of money. It will be seen as a major coup for whoever signs her.'
