King Charles reiterates that Harry and Meghan remain non-working royals

King Charles III has made clear that Prince Harry and Meghan will not return as working royals, despite their recent move back to the United Kingdom.

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There is no change to the current status of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

A letter authorized by the King and sent to government departments and military bodies said the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had stepped down from representative duties in January 2020. Their current position, including the financial independence and privacy it provides, would continue to be respected.

The letter said there had been no change to their status. Their His and Her Royal Highness styles remain in abeyance and are not used, while their charitable activities are undertaken in a private capacity. It described their position as similar to that of private citizens with commercial and charitable interests.

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Their styles as His and Her Royal Highness remain in abeyance and are not used.

The guidance followed requests from officials after the couple returned to the U.K. from California on Aug. 26. It was also sent to Lord Lieutenants, the King’s representatives in counties across the country. Questions from official or state organizations about ceremonial courtesies, particularly where public funds might be involved, should be directed to Buckingham Palace.

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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.

Harry is expected to attend his annual engagements connected with the WellChild awards. Media reports have also said Meghan hopes to resume work with U.K.-based charities. The couple’s children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are expected to start school in the U.K. near the family’s reported countryside retreat.

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In short, their position is akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests.