Archive · 14 Sep 2026
Harry and Meghan Consider Challenging ‘Private Citizens’ Description
King Charles approved guidance about how officials should treat Harry and Meghan.
The guidance says they are no longer working royals and are similar to private citizens.
It also says they have commercial and charitable interests.
People close to Harry and Meghan say they dislike this description.
They believe it does not show that they are well-known public figures who do charity work.
They are worried the wording could affect their security arrangements in Britain.
The couple is considering whether to challenge the wording legally or explain their position publicly.
Harry is expected to attend more charity and patronage events in the coming weeks.
King Charles authorised guidance describing Harry and Meghan as akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests.
The guidance was circulated to senior government, military and other officials to help clarify how they should be treated during independent public engagements.
Sources close to the Sussexes said they believe the wording does not reflect their status as internationally recognised public figures.
The couple is reportedly examining whether the description could affect their efforts to obtain increased security in Britain.
Harry and Meghan may pursue legal options or issue a public statement, while Harry is expected to resume charity-related engagements soon.
- Who
- Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and King Charles are at the centre of the report.
- What
- Harry and Meghan are reportedly considering challenging official wording that describes them as akin to private citizens.
- When
- The guidance relates to arrangements established after their withdrawal from royal duties in 2020; Harry is expected to resume public engagements in the coming weeks.
- Where
- The potential dispute concerns official dealings and security arrangements in Britain and the United Kingdom.
- Why
- Harry and Meghan reportedly believe the wording is inaccurate and could have consequences for their requests for increased security.
Harry and Meghan’s reported position
Palace guidance
How to describe their status
Harry and Meghan’s reported position
The Sussexes reportedly believe “private citizens” does not accurately reflect their international public profiles, charitable work, patronages and media attention.
Palace guidance
The guidance says their position is akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests because they are non-working royals.
Effect on security
Harry and Meghan’s reported position
They are reportedly examining whether the wording could be legally damaging in their efforts to obtain increased security in Britain.
Palace guidance
The reported purpose of the guidance was to clarify official protocol and avoid confusion; the article does not state that it was issued specifically to determine security eligibility.
Notice before publication
Harry and Meghan’s reported position
A spokesperson said Harry and Meghan were surprised that they had not been told about the correspondence in advance, with sources claiming they received about an hour’s notice.
Palace guidance
The guidance was authorised by King Charles and circulated to officials, but the article gives no detailed response from the Palace about the couple’s complaint.
- Description used
- The guidance says Harry and Meghan’s position is “akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests.”
- Royal status
- The couple is described as non-working royals after withdrawing from royal duties in 2020.
- Guidance recipients
- The correspondence was circulated among senior government and military officials and other authorities.
- Palace rationale
- The guidance was intended to help avoid confusion over how officials should deal with the couple during independent public engagements.
- Sussexes’ response
- A spokesperson said they were surprised they had not been informed in advance.
- Possible next steps
- They are reportedly considering legal avenues, a public statement, or both.
- Expected engagements
- Harry is expected to appear at events linked to his charities and patronages in the coming weeks.