KEY POINT
- Buckingham Palace reiterated that Harry and Meghan are private citizens and their HRH styles remain in abeyance.
- The Sussexes questioned why they were not informed before the letter was circulated to the media.
- Royal commentators offered differing views on whether the move was intended to close the door on any confusion over their royal role.
The latest clarification came Sept. 7 through a letter issued by Lord Chamberlain Richard Benyon at the king’s direction. People reported that the Sussexes received the correspondence before it was circulated publicly, while a spokesperson for the couple said they were “a little surprised” they had not been told beforehand.
The letter emphasized that Harry and Meghan stopped carrying out representative duties for the sovereign in January 2020. Their current position, it said, remains unchanged, with their His and Her Royal Highness styles in abeyance and not used.
It also drew a distinction between the couple’s private activities and the work of working members of the royal family. Their charitable projects are described as personal activities, while their commercial and charitable interests are undertaken in a private capacity.
British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard told Fox News Digital that the wording removes uncertainty over whether Harry and Meghan speak on behalf of the monarchy. She argued that King Charles is protecting the institution by making the distinction between working royals and the Sussexes explicit.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams offered a more pointed interpretation, saying the timing could be viewed as a response to the Sussexes’ return to Britain and the uncertainty surrounding their position. Another royal broadcaster, Ian Pelham Turner, disagreed with that approach and described the public release as potentially harmful to efforts toward reconciliation.
Harry is expected to continue charitable engagements during the couple’s UK stay, including work connected with causes such as the Invictus Games. However, Uganda’s Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba announced that his country would withdraw from the 2027 Invictus Games, saying it would not participate in an event without the king’s approval.
A person close to Harry, quoted by People, linked Uganda’s decision directly to the palace guidance. The palace has maintained that its position does not change its support for organizations such as the Invictus Games.
The palace has also emphasized that the latest letter does not establish a new policy. Instead, it reiterates arrangements associated with the 2020 Sandringham Summit, when Harry and Meghan stepped back from senior working royal duties.
The couple can remain in Britain for their current stay, but they will not resume working royal roles. They are expected to maintain a private residence outside London while also retaining homes in California and Portugal.
Chard described the king’s position as decisive, while Fitzwilliams said the Sussexes were unlikely to change their plans. Turner, meanwhile, urged Harry and Meghan not to respond aggressively to the development.
Harry’s planned charitable engagements in Britain are set to continue, including activities linked to the Invictus Games. No change to the couple’s non-working royal status has been announced.
Are Harry and Meghan returning as working royals?
No. The palace letter reiterates that they remain non-working royals.
Do Harry and Meghan still use HRH styles?
Their HRH styles remain in abeyance and are not used.
Does the letter introduce a new royal policy?
No. Palace insiders said it reiterates arrangements established after the 2020 Sandringham Summit.
