Archive · 8 Sep 2026
King Charles Reaffirms Harry and Meghan’s Non-Working Status
King Charles said Harry and Meghan are still not working royals.
They stopped carrying out official royal duties in 2020.
They later moved to the United States and pursued their own commercial and charitable work.
The couple recently returned to Britain with their children.
A letter explained that their royal status had not changed.
It also said they should not use the titles His Royal Highness or Her Royal Highness.
Their charities are considered private activities.
Harry and Meghan were reportedly surprised that the letter was released with little time for them to respond.
Officials may review Harry’s security, but no new protection decision has been announced.
King Charles III authorised a letter confirming Harry and Meghan remain non-working members of the Royal Family.
The couple’s representatives reportedly received the letter 72 minutes before its release and were surprised by the timing.
Harry and Meghan stepped down from official royal duties in 2020 and moved to the United States.
The letter said their commercial and charitable activities remain private and that their HRH styles are not used.
Harry’s return has renewed security questions, with any state-funded protection dependent on a fresh risk assessment.
- Who
- King Charles III, Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and senior British government and military officials.
- What
- A letter confirmed that Harry and Meghan remain non-working royals whose position is akin to that of private citizens with commercial and charitable interests.
- When
- The letter was authorised and released on September 7, 2026, after Harry and Meghan returned to Britain late the previous month.
- Where
- The guidance was sent to senior officials in the United Kingdom; Harry and Meghan returned from the United States and were reportedly living in the Cotswolds.
- Why
- The letter followed requests for guidance after the couple’s return and clarified that their status had not changed since they left official duties in 2020.
Palace Clarification
Sussex Perspective and Concerns
Release of the letter
Palace Clarification
The Palace said the guidance was issued to avoid doubt or confusion after requests from officials about the couple’s status.
Sussex Perspective and Concerns
Representatives for Harry and Meghan reportedly said they were surprised by the release because they received the letter only shortly beforehand and had little time to review or respond.
Role after returning to Britain
Palace Clarification
The letter maintained that Harry and Meghan are not working royals and that their private commercial and charitable activities would continue to be respected.
Sussex Perspective and Concerns
Their return has generated tensions and concern among some palace observers that the couple could establish a parallel royal court, although the couple’s representatives’ substantive response was not detailed in the reports.
Police protection
Palace Clarification
Any state-funded security decision is for the Royal and VIP Executive Committee and would depend on a fresh assessment of the threat faced.
Sussex Perspective and Concerns
Harry has argued that he needs stronger publicly funded police protection and previously challenged the loss of his security in court, but his bid to restore the previous arrangements was unsuccessful.
- Royal status
- Harry and Meghan remain non-working members of the Royal Family.
- Official duties
- They stepped down from representative royal duties in 2020.
- Current description
- Their position is described as akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests.
- Royal styles
- Their His Royal Highness and Her Royal Highness styles are not used.
- Private activities
- Their commercial and charitable work is undertaken independently and in a private capacity.
- Letter distribution
- The letter was sent to senior government and military officials and shared with Harry’s team.
- Security review
- The Royal and VIP Executive Committee is responsible for assessing eligibility for police protection.
Sources
King Charles clarifies Harry, Meghan’s status after UK return: ‘Private citizens’
King Charles confirms Harry and Meghan remain non-working royals
King Charles confirms Harry and Meghan remain non-working royals
Harry, Meghan surprised as Palace letter reaffirms they remain non-working royals
Why Harry and Meghan were ‘surprised’ by King Charles’ letter on royal status
