In a letter to Prince Harry’s office, King Charles has bluntly laid out their role in the Royal Family now the Sussex’s have returned to the UK.
King Charles has broken his silence on Harry and Meghan’s return to the UK.
But despite thawing relations between Harry and his father, as far as the monarch is concerned little has changed with the Sussex’s relationship to the Royal Family
Notably, they won’t be getting back the use of their “HRH” titles.
UK public broadcaster the BBC has reported that the King sent a letter, via the Lord Chamberlain – the most senior staff member of the Royal household, to the Duke of Sussex’s office.
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In it, the King made clear the His and Her Royal Highness titles remain out of bounds to the couple. In addition, it reassert the Sussex’s are “private citizens with commercial and charitable interests”.
He adds their work is a “personal matter” and their position is “akin to private citizens”. As such, they who would not be expected to carry out any official duties on behalf of the family.
In that way, their geography may have changed – from the US to the UK – but their official circumstances have not.
“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 states.
“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.
“It follows that there is no change to the current status of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
“Their styles as His and Her Royal Highness remain in abeyance and are not used.”
It’s been reported that the Meghan will, at least for a time, keep a low profile in the UK as she settles into her new home.
Friends of the couple told The Sun they “trying to avoid being spotted” while they focus on settling their two children, Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five, before school starts.
Meghan is already planning ways to support new causes alongside ones she previously worked with, they added.
This includes Smart Works, a charity which supports unemployed and vulnerable women looking for jobs.
With The Sun.
