On Monday, Sept. 7, the 77-year-old monarch directed that a letter be sent to senior officials across the British government, military and Lord Lieutenancies. The guidance confirms that there has been “no change” to Harry and Meghan’s royal status.
In other words, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are still not working members of the royal family, despite moving back to Britain.
According to PEOPLE, the guidance was issued by the Lord Chamberlain, Lord Benyon, at the King’s direction. Harry’s team was also given a copy.
The letter reportedly came after officials received several requests for clarification about Harry, 41, and Meghan, 44, following their return.
“To help avoid doubt or confusion, The King has directed that the following information be shared,” the letter states.
However, palace sources stressed that King Charles is not introducing a new rule. Instead, the letter simply restates the arrangement that has been in place since Harry and Meghan stepped away from royal duties in 2020.
The Agreement Goes Back to 2020
Harry and Meghan announced in January 2020 that they wanted to step back as senior working royals and become more financially independent.
Their future was discussed during the famous “Sandringham Summit,” which was led by the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Under the agreement that followed, Harry and Meghan stopped representing the monarch as working royals. They eventually settled in California, where they raised their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Their departure also led to years of tension between the Sussexes and other members of the royal family.
Now, six years later, Harry and Meghan are once again living in Britain.
The couple reportedly returned to the U.K. in August before Archie, 7, and Lilibet, 5, began school. They are believed to be living privately outside London, with reports suggesting they have settled in the Cotswolds region.
Harry and Meghan Can Still Support Charities
Harry’s upcoming public appearances may have contributed to questions about whether his royal role was changing.
He is expected to continue supporting several charities and causes that have long been important to him, including the Invictus Games. The next Invictus Games are scheduled to take place in Birmingham, England, in July 2027.
Meghan has also reportedly shown interest in reconnecting with charities and causes she supported while she was a working royal.
But King Charles’ guidance makes an important distinction: Harry and Meghan can continue doing charitable work, but they will do so as private citizens.
Their involvement with charities does not mean they are returning to official royal duties or representing the King.
A New Chapter Back in Britain
Harry and Meghan’s return marks a major change after spending roughly six years based in California.
The couple moved to the United States after leaving royal duties, and their relationship with the royal family became increasingly strained in the years that followed.
Harry also fought a lengthy legal battle over his security arrangements in Britain after his royal role changed. He lost a legal challenge over the decision to reduce the level of taxpayer-funded security automatically provided to him when visiting the U.K.
Despite the couple now living closer to the royal family, King Charles’ latest guidance makes one thing clear: their move back to Britain has not restored their former positions.
Harry and Meghan remain the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, but they are not working royals.
For now, they are expected to pursue their own charitable projects and public work while raising Archie and Lilibet in the U.K. — separate from the official duties carried out on behalf of King Charles.
What The Letter Says
The letter, shared with select media outlets such as PEOPLE on Sept. 7, states:
“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.”
“It follows 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. 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.”
“Any specific questions from official and State organisations about the courtesies which should be extended to the Duke and Duchess, and particularly where recourse to public funds may be required, should be directed to Buckingham Palace. Any operational security issues should continue to be directed to the relevant Police authorities.”
“All correspondence and administrative questions relating to the couple should be sent directly to their office, which will continue to operate separately from The Royal Household.”
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