Prince Harry, Meghan ‘surprised’ by King Charles’ announcement

King Charles has reaffirmed that Prince Harry and Meghan remain non-working royals, with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex reportedly “surprised” that they were not informed about the clarification before it was made public.

A spokesperson for the couple said they were “a little surprised not to have been told about this in advance”, although royal sources told the BBC that Harry and Meghan had been made aware of the letter before its publication.

The letter, sent on behalf of King Charles by the Lord Chamberlain, made clear that Harry and Meghan remain private citizens and cannot use the titles “His Royal Highness” and “Her Royal Highness” in their capacity as working royals.

It was sent to Prince Harry’s team, government departments, military officials and Lord Lieutenants, according to Palace sources.

The clarification reinforces the arrangement reached in 2020, when Harry and Meghan stepped back from undertaking official duties on behalf of the monarch and moved away from the UK.

The so-called Sandringham Agreement ruled out a “half-in, half-out” arrangement, meaning the couple could not pursue commercial interests while continuing as working members of the Royal Family.

The King’s letter also stated that any charitable work undertaken by the Duke and Duchess is a personal matter and carried out in their private capacity.

The development comes as Harry and Meghan settle back in the UK with their children, Archie and Lilibet, and prepare for public appearances linked to their charitable activities.

Meanwhile, a security committee including Home Office representatives is expected to consider the level of taxpayer-funded protection to be provided to the Sussexes, who have previously raised concerns about their security arrangements in the UK.

The Royal and VIP Executive Committee, known as Ravec, is responsible for security decisions concerning royals and other public figures.