King Charles Reaffirms Harry and Meghan's Non-Working Royal Status

King Charles III has issued a formal letter reaffirming that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle remain non-working members of the Royal Family, a move that has sparked a dispute over whether the couple was adequately notified before its public release. The guidance, sent on September 7, 2026, clarifies that there has been no change to the couple's status since they stepped back from royal duties in January 2020. The letter, issued on the King's behalf by the Lord Chamberlain, was circulated to government departments, military officials, and Lord Lieutenants across the UK. It states that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's styles as His and Her Royal Highness remain in abeyance and are not used. It also positions their charitable work as a personal matter undertaken in their private capacity, describing their position as akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests. A spokesperson for Harry and Meghan stated the couple were "a little surprised not to have been told about this in advance.