King Charles Confirms Harry and Meghan Are Non-Working Royals
-
Post By
Emmie
- September 8, 2026
King Charles III has issued a formal clarification confirming that Prince Harry and Meghan remain non-working members of the royal family following their recent move back to the United Kingdom from California.
The message, delivered via a letter signed by the Lord Chamberlain, was distributed to government departments, military officials, and Lord Lieutenants to provide clear guidance regarding the couple's operational status as a new royal diary period begins.
A spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex noted that the couple "were a little surprised not to have been told about this in advance". Reports indicate their team was given about an hour's notice before the document was shared with the media.
The letter reinforces the terms established under the 2020 Sandringham Agreement when the couple originally stepped back from duties:
"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."
"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."
Palace sources said the letter was issued "to help avoid doubt or confusion," following "a number of requests for guidance."
The Sussexes returned to Britain last month for an extended stay, enrolling their children, Archie (7) and Lilibet (5), in local British schools. The move follows years of public tension, high-profile legal battles with British press publishers, and media releases including Harry's memoir Spare.
The Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC), which includes Home Office representatives, is scheduled to meet to determine the appropriate level of protective security for the family while in the country.
Regarding protection arrangements, the Palace letter said:
"Any operational security issues should continue to be directed to the relevant police authorities."
A spokesperson for the Home Office stated:
"The UK government's protective security system is rigorous and proportionate. It is our long-standing policy not to provide detailed information on those arrangements, as doing so could compromise their integrity and affect individuals' security,"
Prince Harry is expected to continue supporting personal charitable causes across the UK this autumn, including the Invictus Games scheduled for Birmingham next year.
