King makes clear Harry and Meghan remain non-working royals

King makes clear Harry and Meghan remain non-working royals. This ruled out any "half-in and half-out" status, so Harry and Meghan could not pursue their own commercial interests while continuing to be working royals.

What happened

It seems to be something of a shot across the bows, making clear that any Prince Harry and Meghan visits should not be treated as royal engagements. The letter sent on behalf of the King makes it clear that this remains the case. Image source, ReutersImage caption, The Sussexes' return to the UK will not change their status, says Buckingham PalaceBySean CoughlanRoyal correspondentPublished7 September 2026, 15:54 BSTUpdated 1 hour agoThe Duke and Duchess of Sussex will not be working royals allowed to carry out official engagements now they have returned to the UK, a letter sent on behalf of King Charles spells out.

Disputes about Prince Harry and Meghan's security in the UK remain unresolved and the letter spells out: "Any operational security issues should continue to be directed to the relevant police authorities. The letter is intended to clarify the status of Prince Harry and Meghan, who moved back from California with children Archie and Lilibet last month. They will still not be able to use the "HRH" titles of His and Her Royal Highness, and remain "private citizens", says the letter sent on behalf of the King by the Lord Chamberlain, a top Palace official.

Image source, PA MediaImage caption, Prince Harry and Meghan revealed a surprise return to the UK last monthLord Lieutenants, who are the monarch's local representatives, and government staff are often involved in royal visits and engagements.

The wider picture

This letter makes clear that any engagements carried out by the Sussexes will be in a private capacity and they will not be representing the Royal Family. "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," the letter says. Prince Harry and Meghan faced an acrimonious departure from the UK in 2020, which they chronicled in their Netflix documentary.

They established their financial independence in California, including Prince Harry writing a best-selling memoir Spare and Meghan creating an online food range, As Ever. "Prince Harry has complained about a lack of adequate police protection in the UK, but the Palace says that has to be addressed by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee – known as Ravec – which decides security for royals and public figures. Prince Harry and Meghan's representatives have been contacted for a response.

Prince Harry and Meghan land in UK days after announcing movePublished26 AugustPrince Harry and six others face privacy case legal bill of up to £34. The letter has been sent to Prince Harry's team, the government, military and Lord Lieutenants, Palace sources say.

What has been reported

The message from the King emphasises that the position agreed in 2020 when the Sussexes left the UK – the so-called Sandringham Agreement – is still in place. The King's message says that any questions from organisations about the reception to be given to the Sussexes, "particularly where recourse to public funds may be required, should be directed to Buckingham Palace". It's expected that Prince Harry will be supporting his charities, including the Invictus Games, which are due to be held in Birmingham next year.

There have been reports that Meghan is considering a return to acting. This comes ahead of what are likely to be public appearances by the Sussexes this autumn, as they settle in the UK and support their charities. "The charitable work of the Duke and Duchess is a personal matter for them both and undertaken in their private capacity," it adds. This summer the couple made a surprise return to the UK, where their children will be going to school.

Palace sources have suggested it was better to make the Lord Chamberlain's letter public, in a spirit of transparency, rather than risk it emerging in leaks.