King Charles issued a communication to top British officials on Monday, reiterating that Prince Harry and Meghan, his youngest son and daughter-in-law, are not active members of the royal family upon their return to the U.K. The message, directed to Harry’s team and distributed as guidance to senior government and military figures, clarified that since stepping back from official royal duties in 2020, Harry and Meghan are no longer working royals.
The letter emphasized the couple’s status as distinct from the operational responsibilities of the British monarchy, affording them personal freedom in managing their finances and protecting their privacy. King Charles assured that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex maintain their current standing, with their charitable endeavors being private endeavors undertaken by them individually.
Essentially, the couple’s position is likened to that of private citizens with engagements in commercial ventures and charitable pursuits. Prince Harry and his family returned to the U.K. at the end of last month, marking their first visit in six years since relinquishing royal duties and relocating to the United States.
Having departed for the U.S. in 2020 to pursue independent paths outside of official royal obligations, Harry and Meghan have remained in the public eye. Harry’s criticisms of the royal family, the tabloid press, and the government’s alleged security shortcomings have kept them in headlines despite their physical distance from the U.K.
