Entertainment · 07 September, 2026 · 2 min read
King Charles III Confirms Prince Harry and Meghan Remain Non-Working Royals in the United Kingdom
King Charles confirms Harry and Meghan remain non-working royals after UK return. Letter from King Charles says they will not undertake royal duties or use titles.
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8 of 9 outlets skipped it: palace observers worry the status could create a parallel royal court.
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King’s letter sets status
King Charles III authorized a letter released Monday confirming that Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, will remain non-working royals and “private citizens” while living in the United Kingdom.
“It is the first time Charles and the palace have commented publicly on Harry and Meghan's move back to the U.K.”
The letter, sent under the direction of the king and signed by the Lord Chamberlain, said there is “no change to the current status of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex,” and that their styles as His and Her Royal Highness remain in abeyance and are not used.
The BBC reported that a spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said the couple “were a little surprised not to have been told about this in advance,” while royal sources said they were made aware before it was made public.
ABC News said the move back to the U.K. comes six years after Harry and Meghan stepped away from their senior royal roles and moved to California, and it noted that the couple’s two children, Archie and Lilibet, reportedly arrived in the U.K. on Aug. 26.
Surprise, security, and guidance
BBC News said it is understood a security committee that includes Home Office representatives is meeting this week to look at the level of taxpayer-funded security that should be given to the Sussexes who are now resident in the UK.
The BBC also quoted a Home Office spokesperson saying, “The UK government's protective security system is rigorous and proportionate,” and added that it is the long-standing policy not to provide detailed information on arrangements.
In a separate account, Reuters said the letter was shared with Harry’s team and sent as guidance to senior officials in the government and military, and it stated that after stepping down in 2020, Harry and Meghan “are no longer working Members of The Royal Family”.
NBC News reported that the letter was put into the public domain because it would likely have leaked anyway and that it was released “to help avoid doubt or confusion,” after “a number of requests for guidance.”
What it means next
ABC News said Harry and Meghan have relied on a privately funded security team for the past six years since moving to California, and it noted that they have not commented publicly on their return to the U.K.
“Any charity work the couple undertakes will be carried out in a private capacity”
The BBC reported that 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, and it said the message emphasises that the position agreed in 2020 is still in place.
NPR said the letter reiterated that any charity work the couple undertakes will be carried out in a private capacity, and it added that operational security decisions are matters for the relevant police agencies.
Reuters said the couple arrived back in Britain late last month, six years after quitting royal duties and moving to the United States, and it framed the letter as guidance to senior British officials to confirm their non-working status after their return.