The King of England, Charles III, has clarified in a letter that the Dukes of Sussex, Harry and Meghan, are “private citizens” and do not represent the royal family despite their recent return to the United Kingdom after six years of living abroad.
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The monarch has sent the letter to Prince Harry himself, the government, military authorities, and royal representatives to clarify the roles and responsibilities of both once they decided to settle in British territory with their children, Archie and Lilibet, according to the British broadcaster BBC.
They will not be able to use the title HRH – His/Her Royal Highness – nor His (him) and Her (her) Royal Highness, explains the letter signed by the Lord Chamberlain of the Household on behalf of the king.
Harry and Meghan surprised the representatives of Charles responsible for managing the royal schedule and government relations by announcing their return to the United Kingdom at the end of August.
The letter can be interpreted as a drastic warning that under no circumstances should they claim or be treated as representatives of the British royal family, a concept limited to the 11 “working royals,” the family members who perform official representation: the monarch, their partner, the monarch’s siblings, their children and partners, and descendants.
In 2020, the Dukes of Sussex left the United Kingdom after negotiating the so-called Sandringham Agreement, under which Harry and Meghan renounced being part of the “senior royalty” and committed to being financially independent.
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“It is well known that in January 2020 the Duke and Duchess renounced undertaking duties as representatives of the Sovereign and are not official members of the Royal Family,” explains the new royal letter. “The charitable work of the Duke and Duchess is a personal matter for both and they carry it out privately,” it notes.
Additionally, it clarifies that any questions regarding the organization or receptions for the Dukes of Sussex must be consulted with Buckingham Palace, “particularly when it is necessary to use public funds.”
Regarding security, it specifies that “any operational security matters should continue to be referred to the relevant police authorities.”
Harry has complained that he does not have adequate police protection in the United Kingdom, but Buckingham Palace argues that it is the responsibility of the Royal and VIP Executive Commission (Ravec), which is in charge of the security of royal family members and other public figures.
