Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly expressed surprise after a letter issued on behalf of King Charles III reaffirmed that they remain non-working members of the British royal family.
Gatekeepers News reports that the development comes as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex return to the United Kingdom with their two children, six years after stepping down from official royal duties and relocating to California in the United States.
Their return has renewed questions about their formal status within the monarchy.
On Monday, the Lord Chamberlain, the most senior official in the royal household, signed a statement on behalf of the King clarifying the couple’s position.
The statement confirmed that Harry and Meghan will continue to be unable to use the “His Royal Highness” and “Her Royal Highness” titles and will remain “private citizens”, following their decision to relinquish the use of the titles in 2020.
However, a spokesperson for the couple said they “were a little surprised not to have been told about this in advance”.
Royal sources disputed the claim, maintaining that Harry and Meghan had been informed about the letter before it was made public.
The latest development comes as a security committee is reportedly due to meet this week to review the level of taxpayer-funded security that should be provided to the couple during their time in the UK.
Harry has previously criticised the security arrangements available to him and his family in Britain.
In 2023, he complained about what he considered inadequate police protection, saying he wanted his children to “feel at home” in the UK but that they could not do so if “it’s not possible to keep them safe”.
The review is expected to determine the level of security protection that should be provided to the Sussexes as they spend time in the country.
