King Charles Issues Guidance on Harry and Meghan Status

King Charles has issued formal guidance restating that Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, are private citizens whose charitable work is undertaken in a personal capacity, according to palace sources. The letter, circulated to government departments, military officials and Lord Lieutenants, stresses that the couple stepped down from representative duties on behalf of the Sovereign in January 2020 and are no longer working members of the Royal Family. It also confirms that their HRH titles remain suspended and are not to be used in official contexts. The guidance was issued following the couple's recent return to Britain, where they are planning a series of high-profile charitable appearances. A royal source said there had been growing concern that the Duchess's ambitions to become publicly active again could create ambiguity that the Sandringham agreement was designed to prevent. Another insider said the King wanted the distinction put beyond doubt, noting that the Sussexes are free to pursue charitable and commercial projects but cannot combine that independence with the status of representing the Crown.