King Charles has declared his son Harry (41) and daughter-in-law Meghan (45) cannot be considered working members of the royal family.
The monarch issued the statement after the couple moved back to Britain from the United States last month.
Harry and Meghan quit their royal duties in 2020 following a family dispute. They left Britain with their young children.
The couple recently returned to live in the Cotswolds region of central England with their children Archie (7) and Lilibet (5).
Royal household clarifies position
The Lord Chamberlain sent a letter to clarify the couple’s status after receiving numerous requests for guidance.
The letter stated Harry and Meghan stepped down from representing the sovereign in January 2020. They no longer work as members of the royal family.
“This position will continue to be fully respected,” the letter said.
The couple now enjoys financial independence and privacy protection as private citizens.
No royal highness titles
Queen Elizabeth stripped Harry and Meghan of their royal highness titles when they quit in 2020.
They also lost police protection and public funding at that time.
The letter confirmed the couple cannot use the titles his and her royal highness.
“Their position is akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests,” the document stated.
Working royals currently include King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales.
Princess Anne and Prince Edward with his wife Sophie also serve as working royals.
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Security questions remain
Uncertainty surrounds what security protection the state will provide to Harry and Meghan.
Britain’s Royal and VIP Executive Committee decides which royals and politicians receive police protection.
Harry fought the interior ministry in court after the committee downgraded his security in 2020. He lost that legal battle but the committee will likely reassess the threat level he faces.
The couple has enrolled their children at private schools in the Cotswolds for the new academic year.
Harry’s charitable work with Meghan remains a personal matter that they undertake privately.
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