King Charles has clarified that Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, are still not working royals following their return to the UK.
The King sent a letter to “senior stakeholders” in the government, military and British based representatives of the Royal Family, clarifying that despite their titles, the pair should be treated as private individuals, and nothing more.
The letter, sent to “senior stakeholders” in government, military and royal circles, confirms that the couple are no longer working members of the royal family and will not use the titles “his or her royal highness.’‘ It adds that any security issues are the responsibility of relevant police agencies and the couple’s charity work will be carried out in a private capacity.
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The letter states that the king authorized the communication “to help avoid doubt or confusion’‘ about the couple’s status.
The monarch’s senior aide, the Lord Chamberlain, sent out the letter of guidance on the King’s orders.
It is believed the letter corresponds with Harry and Meghan’s intent to remain private citizens in the UK as part of “the Sandringham agreement”.
The letter 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.”
While the communication simply confirms that Harry and Meghan’s status remains unchanged, the decision to send the letter and release it publicly demonstrates the concern among some palace observers that the couple’s status could allow them to become a sort of parallel royal court, competing with working members of the royal family.
The security question is particularly sensitive because Harry has fought a long-running battle with the government for the restoration of publicly funded police protection, which was cancelled when the couple gave up their royal roles.
The decision about whether to restore the couple’s round-the-clock police protection is a matter for a government panel known as RAVEC, or the Royal and VIP Executive Committee.
“Any specific questions from official and State organizations 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,” the Lord Chamberlain said in his letter.
