Prince Harry and Meghan will remain non-working royals in UK, King Charles confirms

Prince Harry and Meghan will remain private citizens rather than returning as working members of the British royal family during their extended stay in the United Kingdom.

A letter from the Lord Chamberlain, issued under the direction of King Charles III, was sent to Harry’s team and senior stakeholders across the UK government and military. It reiterated that there had been no change in the couple’s status. Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, will retain their financial independence and privacy.

The letter said their styles as His and Her Royal Highness “remain in abeyance and are not used.” Their charitable activities will also remain personal matters carried out in a private capacity. The statement described their position as “akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests.”

“

remain in abeyance and are not used

The palace statement marked the first public comment from King Charles and the royal household on Harry and Meghan’s return to the UK, six years after they stepped down from senior royal roles and moved to California. In 2020, they agreed to stop using their Royal Highness titles, stop representing the monarch and stop receiving public funds for royal duties, allowing them to pursue private income.

The couple no longer receive the same automatic taxpayer-funded armed police protection provided to senior royals, including King Charles and Prince William. They have relied on privately funded security since moving to California. Harry and Meghan have not commented publicly on the latest statement. They and their children, Archie and Lilibet, reportedly arrived in the UK on Aug. 26 and plan to remain for an extended period, with the children expected to attend school there. Their residence and schools have not been disclosed.

“

akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests