Duke and Duchess of Sussex reportedly had little notice before the message was shared with the media
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were reportedly “surprised” after receiving limited notice about a formal letter sent to government departments and the military on behalf of King Charles, reaffirming their position as non-working royals.
Harry and Meghan, who returned to the UK from the US two weeks ago, are understood to have had little time to raise questions or seek clarification before details of the letter were released publicly.
The letter marks the first official public clarification of the couple’s status since their return to the UK. It was issued by Richard Benyon, the lord chamberlain and Buckingham Palace’s most senior officer.
Palace letter clarifies Harry and Meghan’s royal status
The contents of the letter were shared with the media at 3.06pm on Monday. According to reports, Harry and Meghan’s team had received the information at 1.59pm, giving them just over an hour before the details became public.
The Sussexes’ representatives reportedly responded to Buckingham Palace at 2.19pm, asking whether the guidance had already been distributed. The request was apparently intended to ensure Harry and Meghan were informed before the media and to give their team an opportunity to clarify one or two points.
Harry was reportedly in a meeting at the time and could not be reached until 3.09pm. The Sussexes’ team was then informed at 3.11pm that the letter had already been sent to the media.
The timing of the announcement was also notable because it came ahead of a reported meeting this week of the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures, known as Ravec. The committee is responsible for decisions concerning royal security.
Harry is currently awaiting the outcome of a risk management board’s threat assessment. Ravec is expected to consider whether the Sussexes should receive taxpayer-funded security while they are living in the UK.
The Home Office does not comment on such decisions and would not normally be expected to disclose the outcome of the meeting.
King Charles’ letter reiterates Sussexes’ “current” status
Lord Benyon’s letter restates Harry and Meghan’s “current” status as non-working royals.
“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.
“Their styles as His and Her Royal Highness remain in abeyance and are not used.”
The letter also makes clear that the couple’s charitable activities remain separate from official royal duties. It says their charitable work “is a personal matter for them both and undertaken in their private capacity”.
It further summarizes their position by stating: “In short, their position is akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests.”
The guidance also addresses questions that may arise from official and state organisations about the courtesies extended to Harry and Meghan, “and particularly where recourse to public funds may be required”.
Such matters should be referred to Buckingham Palace, while “Any operational security issues should continue to be directed to the relevant police authorities.”
Archie and Lilibet expected to attend school in the UK
Harry and Meghan’s children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are expected to begin school in the UK, reportedly close to the family’s countryside retreat.
The palace clarification came on the same day that Harry was reported to have visited Tower Bridge Studios in London. The studio is used for filming and podcast production, including programmes such as Diary of a CEO and Jimmy Carr’s The Big Pitch.
The latest development provides a clearer picture of how the Sussexes’ position is being treated by the palace and official organisations as the couple spends more time in the UK.
