Prince Harry and Meghan were reportedly caught off guard by a letter issued on behalf of King Charles reaffirming that they remain non-working members of the Royal Family following their return to Britain.
The couple were said to have received only limited notice of the letter before it was circulated to senior government, military and royal officials, according to reports.
Their surprise comes as Harry prepares to continue supporting his charitable causes in Britain, including the Invictus Games, while Meghan is reportedly considering a return to acting.
The letter reiterated that the couple’s charitable activities are undertaken privately and that they are no longer working members of the Royal Family.
“The charitable work of the Duke and Duchess is a personal matter for them both and undertaken in their private capacity”.
Harry is expected to continue supporting charities including the Invictus Games, which are due to be held in Birmingham next year.
The couple’s return to Britain had prompted questions about whether their relocation could lead to a change in their relationship with the Royal Family. The King’s letter makes clear that their return does not alter the arrangement established after they stepped down from official duties in 2020.
The letter stated:
“It is well known that in January 2020 the Duke and Duchess stepped down from undertaking representative duties on behalf of the Sovereign, and are no longer working members of the Royal Family.”
The development comes as Harry begins to make appearances in Britain. He was recently seen at a London studio, his first reported public sighting since returning to the UK.
Meghan, meanwhile, has been linked to a possible return to acting, with reports suggesting she is considering opportunities in the entertainment industry.
The couple are expected to continue their charitable and professional activities independently, rather than as representatives of the Royal Family. The King’s letter describes their position as being akin to that of private citizens with commercial and charitable interests.
The letter also addressed the question of security, saying operational issues should be handled by the relevant police authorities.
“Any operational security issues should continue to be directed to the relevant police authorities.”
