Harry and Meghan to remain private citizens after UK return, Palace confirms

Harry and Meghan will remain private citizens after returning to the UK.

Prince Harry and Meghan will not resume official royal duties despite returning to the UK, with a letter sent on behalf of King Charles confirming they remain private citizens. The message, issued by Lord Chamberlain, one of the senior officials at Buckingham Palace, has been sent to Harry’s team as well as government departments, military officials and Lord Lieutenants, sources told BBC. It makes clear that any public engagements undertaken by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be carried out in a personal capacity and will not represent the Royal Family. Harry and Meghan will also continue to be barred from using the “HRH” titles, or His and Her Royal Highness, despite their return to Britain with their children, Archie and Lilibet last month. The Palace position follows the arrangement agreed in 2020, when the couple stepped back from royal duties and moved to the US. The so-called Sandringham Agreement ruled out a role that would allow them to combine independent commercial activities with official work as members of the Royal Family. The letter says, “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.” It adds, “The charitable work of the Duke and Duchess is a personal matter for them both and undertaken in their private capacity.” The clarification comes as the couple are expected to make public appearances in Britain this autumn while supporting their charitable work. The letter also tells organisations planning events involving Harry and Meghan should contact Buckingham Palace if they have questions about arrangements, particularly when public money could be involved. Security remains a separate issue. The Palace said operational security matters should continue to be handled by the relevant police authorities. Harry has previously challenged the level of police protection available to him in Britain. Decisions over security for members of the Royal Family and other prominent figures are handled by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee, known as Ravec.