Britain · 07 September, 2026 · 2 min read
King Charles III Says Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Remain Non-Working Royals in UK
Harry and Meghan remain non-working royals and private citizens after returning to the UK. King Charles authorized a public letter clarifying their status and banning HRH titles.
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Non-working status reiterated
King Charles III reiterated that Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, will remain non-working members of the royal family after their return to the United Kingdom, with a letter released Monday stating there is "no change to the current status of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex."
“"no change to the current status of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex"”
The letter, sent under the direction of the king and issued by the Lord Chamberlain to senior stakeholders across the U.K. government and military, says their "styles as His and Her Royal Highness remain in abeyance and are not used."
The BBC reported the letter makes clear that any engagements carried out by the Sussexes will be in a private capacity and they will not be representing the Royal Family.
The Associated Press said the letter was sent to senior government officials, as well as lord lieutenants, the king’s personal representatives around the country, to help avoid doubt or confusion.
Security and guidance
The Associated Press reported that the letter directs questions about courtesies and where recourse to public funds may be required to Buckingham Palace, and it also says "Any operational security issues should continue to be directed to the relevant police authorities."
CNN said the Lord Chamberlain’s letter emphasizes that operational security decisions are matters for the relevant police agencies, and it also quotes the letter saying it is "well known that in January 2020 the Duke and Duchess stepped down" from representative duties.
The BBC described the guidance as a clarification that the Sussexes will not be working royals allowed to carry out official engagements, and it said the message emphasizes that the position agreed in 2020 remains in place.
People reported that the letter was issued on Sept. 7 by the Lord Chamberlain, Lord Benyon, at the king’s direction, and it said the guidance reiterates that any charitable work is undertaken in a private capacity and does not signal a return to royal duties.
What comes next in Britain
ABC News said the Sussexes reportedly arrived in the U.K. on Aug. 26 and plan to stay for an "extended period of time" while Archie and Lilibet attend school, and it said it is not known publicly where the family is living or where the children are enrolled.
“"extended period of time"”
The BBC reported that Prince Harry appeared publicly on Tuesday for the first time since his U.K. return, with a photo on social media showing him at a London TV and podcast studio shared by Tower Bridge Studios.
People said the king’s letter comes as Harry prepares to undertake a series of charitable engagements planned ahead of their return, including events associated with some of the charities and causes he supports such as the Invictus Games.
The Associated Press added that the security question remains sensitive because Harry has fought a long-running battle with the government for the restoration of publicly funded police protection, which was canceled when the couple gave up their royal roles.