King Charles classifies Harry and Meghan as ‘private citizens’

King Charles III has drawn a clear line around Prince Harry and Meghan’s place in the monarchy after their return to Britain: they are to be treated as private citizens, not working royals.

A letter issued by the Lord Chamberlain, the Royal Household’s most senior official, said the couple’s position was “akin to private citizens.” It stated that Harry and Meghan should not be addressed as His and Her Royal Highness, and that their charitable activities were personal matters carried out in a private capacity.

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akin to private citizens

The letter said it followed “a number of requests for guidance” after the couple relocated to Britain. It recalled that Harry and Meghan stepped down from representative duties on behalf of the sovereign in January 2020 and said that status would continue to be respected, including their financial independence and privacy.

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a number of requests for guidance

Harry and Meghan left Britain and royal duties in 2020 during a feud within the royal family. They returned last month with their two children, Archie and Lilibet, and are reportedly living in the Cotswolds, where the children are expected to attend private schools. The couple remain formally known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

The clarification also comes amid uncertainty over their security arrangements. Harry’s grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, removed their Royal Highness styles, police protection and public funding when they quit royal duties. Decisions about security for the Sussexes are made by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee, an independent body overseen by Britain’s interior ministry.

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The charitable work of the duke and duchess is a personal matter for them both and undertaken in their private capacity.