King Charles III has issued an official memorandum confirming that Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, will continue to be treated as private citizens and not as working royals following their return to the United Kingdom.
The directive, distributed by the Lord Chamberlain to government officials, military leaders, and regional representatives, reiterates that the couple’s status remains unchanged from the terms of their 2020 Sandringham agreement. Under this agreement, Harry and Meghan stepped down from their roles as senior working royals in January 2020 and have since operated independently of official royal duties.
Key developments:
- The King’s memorandum explicitly states that Harry and Meghan are not working royals and should be treated strictly as private citizens.
- Their titles, HRH (His Royal Highness) and HRH (Her Royal Highness), remain in abeyance and are not to be used.
- Security arrangements for the couple will continue to be directed to the relevant police authorities, as per existing protocols.
The guidance was issued to resolve administrative uncertainty among public bodies and aligns with the Sussexes’ stated preference to live privately while in the UK. Royal aides emphasized that the directive fully respects the couple’s autonomy and financial independence, as outlined in the 2020 agreement.
Background and context
The memorandum follows the Sussexes’ relocation to the UK in late August 2025, which prompted renewed speculation about their potential return to royal duties. However, neither Harry nor Meghan has indicated any intention to resume their former roles. The King’s directive reaffirms that their charitable and commercial activities are conducted in a private capacity, distinct from the official duties of the working royal family.
The Lord Chamberlain’s letter, shared with the couple, clarifies that their position as non-working royals remains unchanged. This includes the continuation of their financial independence and privacy protections, as mutually agreed in 2020. The directive also underscores that no changes have been made to their current status, including the use of their royal styles.
Reactions and implications
The announcement has been framed by royal officials as a routine clarification to maintain consistency with existing agreements. The Sussexes’ representatives have not publicly commented on the directive, and the couple has previously stated their commitment to living as private citizens. The memorandum does not alter their legal or financial arrangements but serves to formalize their status in the UK’s administrative and ceremonial frameworks.
The directive applies to all public bodies, including government departments, military institutions, and regional representatives, ensuring uniform treatment of the Sussexes across official channels. The Lord Chamberlain’s office has indicated that the guidance was issued at the King’s instruction to avoid confusion regarding their roles.