Harry And Meghan Remain Private Citizens, King Charles Rules Out Royal Return

King Charles III has reaffirmed that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle remain private citizens and non-working members of the Royal Family, despite their return to the United Kingdom after six years in the United States.

The clarification came in a letter issued by Lord Benyon, the Lord Chamberlain, on behalf of the King. It was sent to senior government and military officials, the King’s representatives across Britain and Harry’s team to “avoid doubt or confusion” over the couple’s position.

The letter said Harry and Meghan stepped down from representative duties on behalf of the Sovereign in January 2020 and are “no longer working Members of The Royal Family”. It stressed that there is no change to their current status, despite their return to Britain.

Their His and Her Royal Highness styles remain in abeyance and are not used. The clarification also reinforces that the Sussexes cannot pursue a “half-in, half-out” role combining official royal duties with their private commercial activities. The arrangement was established after their decision to become financially independent.

Harry and Meghan’s charitable work remains entirely private, with the Palace describing their position as akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests. Their office will continue to operate separately from the Royal Household.

The couple returned to Britain with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, on August 26. The children are enrolled at British schools, while the family is expected to live at a non-royal residence outside London and retain their California home.

The return has also revived questions about security. Harry’s publicly funded police protection was withdrawn after the couple stepped down, and security decisions remain with the relevant authorities, rather than being automatically restored because of their return. Questions involving official courtesies or public funds should be directed to Buckingham Palace.

Harry remains fifth in line to the British throne, while Archie and Lilibet are sixth and seventh. However, their constitutional position does not make them working royals.