King Charles III Confirms Status of Harry and Meghan as Non-Working Royals

King Charles III has officially confirmed the status of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle as non-working royals through a letter penned by the head of the Royal Household. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex resigned from their royal duties in 2020 and moved to the United States. This decision was followed by their public criticisms of the monarchy during interviews such as the noted Oprah Winfrey conversation in 2021, and Prince Harry’s 2023 memoir, Spare.

As the couple returned to the UK in late August, a letter was written by Lord Richard Benyon, known as the Lord Chamberlain, as the official head of the Royal Household. This document elucidates the couple’s current status and is distributed to relevant UK government officials, military representatives, and Lord Lieutenants, who act as monarch representatives in various regions.

Why It Matters

Their shift from their royal roles raised speculation about their possible return to their former official positions, though Harry and Meghan themselves have never implied intentions of doing so. The new guidance provided by the palace assures staff and official dignitaries of the couple’s non-working royal status.

The Lord Chamberlain’s Letter

The Duke and Duchess’s charitable work is their personal choice and conducted privately. Essentially, their standing is similar to that of private citizens with both commercial and charitable interests.

The letter elaborates that since January 2020, Harry and Meghan have stepped down from representative duties for the Sovereign and are not active members of the Royal Family. Their status, distinct from the State duties handled by working royals, allows them financial independence and privacy, a preference they have expressed.

The distribution of this letter to government officials highlights the significance of reaffirming Harry and Meghan’s status as it reflects the palace’s position on the matter.

In the coming months, Harry and Meghan are likely to visit charities they previously supported as working royals. Media is expected to cover these engagements, similar to Harry’s UK visits in July and September last year.

The Lord Chamberlain’s Letter in Full

In January 2020 the Duke and Duchess stepped down from duties representing The Sovereign and are no longer working members of the Royal Family. This status, distinct from State duties managed by working royals, affords them greater privacy and financial independence as they prefer. No change is anticipated in their current status, their royal titles remain unused. Their charitable engagements are personal and conducted privately, akin to private citizens. Queries about interactions with the Duke and Duchess or public fund uses should be directed to Buckingham Palace. Operational security matters should be managed by relevant Police authorities.

All communication and logistical queries regarding the couple should be sent directly to their office, separate from the Royal Household.

The Right Honourable The Lord Benyon GCVO

This story is developing and will be updated.