King Charles issues firm letter over Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s status after UK return

Frankie CollinsMon, September 7, 2026 at 9:35 PM UTC

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Harry, 41, and Meghan, 44, relocated to Britain in August with Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five -Credit:Getty Images

King Charles has issued a firm letter clarifying Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s place within the Royal Family following their return to Britain.

The King directed that formal guidance be circulated after officials made a “number of requests” for clarity. The letter confirms that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain non-working members of the Royal Family despite returning to the UK.

Their charitable engagements will continue privately, while their office will remain separate from the Royal Household. Harry and Meghan’s HRH styles also remain in abeyance. It comes as Harry and Meghan are reportedly "considering a public apology" to help heal their rift with the Royal Family.

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The guidance was issued by Lord Chamberlain Lord Benyon at Charles’ direction and sent to senior officials throughout the British government and military, as well as the King’s representatives around the country. It was also shared with Harry’s team.

Explaining why the clarification was necessary, the letter states, “To help avoid doubt or confusion, The King has directed that the following information be shared.”

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The document reiterates the arrangement agreed when Harry and Meghan stepped down as working royals in January 2020. Those terms were settled during the Sandringham Summit, which was overseen by the late Queen Elizabeth II.

King Charles has issued a firm letter clarifying Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s place within the Royal Family -Credit:UK Press via Getty Images

Although the couple retain their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles, the styles His and Her Royal Highness remain unused. The letter stresses that “there is no change to the current status” of the pair following their return.

Harry, 41, and Meghan, 44, relocated to Britain in August with Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, ahead of the children beginning school. The family is believed to be living in a private residence outside London.

The clarification comes as both Harry and Meghan are expected to increase their public appearances connected to charitable causes. Harry is due to support organizations including the Invictus Games, which will next take place in Birmingham in July 2027.

Reports have also suggested Meghan hopes to reconnect with some of the causes she championed before leaving royal duties. However, any such work would be performed in a personal capacity and would not represent the King or signal a return to official royal life.

The document reiterates the arrangement agreed when Harry and Meghan stepped down as working royals in January 2020. -Credit:AFP/Getty Images

The letter also deals with the sensitive issue of security after Harry’s lengthy battle over the police protection offered to his family in Britain.

Officials were instructed to contact Buckingham Palace with questions involving formal courtesies or the possible use of public money. Operational protection matters remain the responsibility of police and RAVEC, the government committee that determines security arrangements for royals and other public figures.

All correspondence involving Harry and Meghan must continue to be sent to their independent office rather than the Royal Household. The letter summarizes their position as “akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests.”

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”