The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have received a very public confirmation from King Charles that they are not working royals.
After weeks of speculation, brought about by their sudden return to the UK from the US, The King has sent written confirmation to all those involved in arranging official royal events that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are not working royals are are carrying out charity and other events as private citizens.
It’s been seen as a sharp reminder of their status for Harry and Meghan and came just hours after newspaper reports stated that the Duchess of Sussex was looking to recommit to charity work in the UK and that the couple understood they would be photographed carrying out public events.
The Lord Chamberlain, the most senior figure in the Household of The King, has written to a wide range of authorities to confirm that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are not working royals and carry out all events as private citizens.
The letter reinforces the status quo established after the Sandringham agreement. In 2020, when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced that they wanted to step back as working royals, a meeting at Sandringham established that their decision to pursue private business opportunities could not see them continue with any public royal role. The couple had stated, when they announced their decision, that they wanted to continue to represent the Royal Family at events such as Trooping the Colour. That was rejected.
The letter from the Lord Chamberlain confirms that they remain private people and that they will not be representing The King or the Royal Family.
It’s been sent to government officials, military personnel and Lord Lieutenants, in fact anyone who is involved in arranging official royal events. It has also been sent to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
The letter, and the fact that it has been publicly acknowledged by the Palace, is seen as a very public statement to Harry and Meghan that any events they carry out in the UK are private. It also means that The King has publicly notified all those who arrange royal engagements that he does not sanction Harry and Meghan carrying out public duties for him or his family.
It is intended to avoid any confusion about Harry and Meghan’s roles going forward.
The couple are still not allowed to use their royal titles publicly.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex returned to the UK in August with a sudden and unexpected announcement. The couple, who are living in a non royal residence, had already enrolled their children at school with Archie and Lilibet starting at the beginning of the autumn term.
