Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were reportedly surprised by the timing of a letter issued on King Charles' behalf reiterating their status as non-working royals, despite their team receiving the correspondence shortly before it was made public.
A spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said the couple were 'a little surprised not to have been told about this in advance' after the Palace issued the guidance on Monday, September 7. The letter was sent to government departments and other officials following Harry and Meghan's return to the UK in August.
How Harry and Meghan Learned of the Palace Letter and Why They Were Surprised
The couple's team reportedly received the letter at 1:59 p.m. UK time and responded around 20 minutes later with questions, including whether the guidance had already been shared more widely. Their representatives were also seeking clarification on several points before informing Harry and Meghan.
At 3:09 p.m., the Sussexes' team reached Harry, who was in a meeting, and told him they were seeking answers to questions raised by the correspondence. Just two minutes later, at 3:11 p.m., the team was informed that the letter had already been circulated to the media, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Sources close to the Palace told the Daily Mail that Harry and Meghan did receive the letter before it became public, although they had not been consulted on its contents. The correspondence was issued amid requests for clarification over how the couple should be treated following their return to Britain.
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What King Charles' Letter Says About Their Royal Status
The letter, issued by Lord Chamberlain Richard Benyon on the King's behalf, made clear that there had been no change to Harry and Meghan's position since they stepped down as working royals in 2020.
It stated that the couple are 'akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests' and that their charitable activities 'are a personal matter for them both' and undertaken in their private capacity.
The letter also reiterated that they stepped down from their royal duties in January 2020 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,' the letter continued.
The correspondence further confirmed that the couple's 'styles as His and Her Royal Highness remain in abeyance and are not used.'
Shots fired.
— Princess CarParkle 👑 (@unreMARKLEble) September 7, 2026
King Charles sent out a letter to the press AND #HarryandMeghan’s office reiterating that they are NOT working Royals, any charity endeavors they take on are in a personal capacity, and their HRH’s are in abeyance. He also clarified any questions about the Douche… pic.twitter.com/Sm6KfyJmpX
Former Queen's Aide Calls Palace Letter 'Decisive'
Ailsa Anderson, Queen Elizabeth's former press secretary, described the King's intervention as 'decisive and unequivocal'. She also told the Daily Mail that it was 'cleverly done'. By releasing the guidance, the Palace has made its position clear about the Sussexes' status.
'He is taking charge of the narrative and acting decisively to end any speculation,' she added.
Harry and Meghan stepped back from their royal duties in 2020 and subsequently moved to the United States, settling in California.
Their return to the UK in August, alongside plans for their children Archie, 7, and Lilibet, 5, to attend school there, prompted renewed questions about whether their royal status could change.
Those questions have now been addressed by the Palace, with the letter reaffirming that the Sussexes remain outside the working Royal Family and that their charitable activities are undertaken privately.
