The Duke and Duchess of Sussex expressed surprise at receiving minimal advance notice before King Charles authorised a formal letter to government departments and the military reiterating their status as non-working royals. Harry and Meghan were given insufficient time to review the contents or raise concerns before the message was distributed to the media, according to those familiar with the matter.
The letter, marking the first official public clarification of the couple's standing since their return to the United Kingdom, was issued by Buckingham Palace's most senior officer, Lord Chamberlain Richard Benyon. According to , the letter stated there is "no change to the current status of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex" and that they are "no longer working Members of The Royal Family."
The palace released the letter to media outlets at 3.06pm on Monday. The Sussexes' representatives had been notified of its contents at 1.59pm and responded at 2.19pm asking whether the guidance had already been distributed, hoping to alert the couple beforehand and provide an opportunity to clarify certain points. Harry was attending a meeting and could not be reached until 3.09pm, by which time confirmation arrived at 3.11pm that the letter had already been sent to the media.
This development comes as the couple has recently relocated to the United Kingdom with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, who are expected to begin school near the family's reported countryside residence in the Cotswolds. The timing of the palace's statement coincided with Harry being photographed in London for the first time since his arrival, visiting a studio facility that hosts television productions and podcasts.
What does the letter say about their status?
Lord Benyon's letter reiterates the couple's "current" status as non-working royals, emphasising that this position remains distinct from the duties undertaken by working members of the royal family. According to the BBC, the letter reinforced that Harry and Meghan cannot use the HRH (His and Her Royal Highness) styles, a restriction that has remained in place since 2020.
This position, distinct from the state and royal duties undertaken by the working royal family, and with the personal latitude it brings the couple in respect of financial independence and protection of their privacy as they would wish, will continue to be fully respected.
The letter describes their position as akin to that of private citizens with commercial and charitable interests. According to , the letter also stated that the couple's charitable work is "a personal matter for them both and undertaken in their private capacity."
How does this relate to their 2020 agreement?
The palace's restatement of their status reflects the 2020 Sandringham Agreement, which ended any "half-in and half-out" arrangement for Harry and Meghan. According to the BBC, this agreement explains why the palace is restating their status now, particularly as the couple has returned to the UK as residents. The letter was issued as guidance to senior government and military officials rather than representing a change in their circumstances.
What about their security arrangements?
The letter states that questions from official and state organisations regarding courtesies extended to the couple, particularly those involving potential recourse to public funds, should be directed to Buckingham Palace. Operational security matters are to be referred to relevant police authorities.
The letter was released ahead of a reported meeting this week of the executive committee for the protection of royalty and public figures (Ravec), which is responsible for determining security arrangements for royal and VIP figures in the United Kingdom. Harry is awaiting the conclusion of a risk management board's threat assessment, and Ravec is expected to decide whether the Sussexes are entitled to taxpayer-funded security now that they reside in the UK. The Home Office does not comment on such decision-making processes and is unlikely to reveal the outcome of such meetings.
According to ABC News, Ravec previously ruled in 2020 that Sussex security would be handled on a case-by-case basis, a determination that has set the framework for the current discussions surrounding protection and royal status. The security question has remained contentious, particularly given that Harry's team did not provide the customary 28 days' notice to Ravec regarding the family's plans to relocate and enrol the children in school, according to reporting from earlier in the year.
Key Facts
- The palace letter reiterates that Harry and Meghan remain non-working royals and cannot use HRH styles, a status established under the 2020 Sandringham Agreement.
- The Sussexes were given less than two hours' notice before the letter was released to media, prompting their expression of surprise at the handling.
- The couple's charitable activities are classified as personal matters undertaken in their private capacity, with their overall position described as equivalent to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests.
- A Ravec executive committee meeting was expected to determine whether the Sussexes qualify for taxpayer-funded security following their return to the UK.
- The letter was distributed to senior government and military officials as guidance on how to treat the couple's status in official and state matters.
