ROYAL FAMILY NEWSMeghan Markle and Prince Harry 'Surprised' by King Charles' Letter Stating They Are Still Non-Working Royals: Rep
King Charles released a guidance letter on September 7 that clarified Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's royal status.
Sept. 8 2026, Published 11:19 a.m. ET
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were dumbfounded by King Charles' recent letter describing their regal status.
Just days after they landed back in the United Kingdom, the monarch, 77, sent out a memo on Monday, September 7, clarifying to government officials and more that the couple will remain non-working royals.
The monarch's memo stated the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will remain 'private citizens' while staying in the U.K.
Harry, 41, and Meghan, 45, were “a little surprised not to have been told about this in advance,” their rep told NBC News on Tuesday, September 8.
Charles' guidance letter was sent after Buckingham Palace received a “number of requests” for transparency about the Sussexes following their comeback, according to People.
The Palace stated in the note there is “no change” to the status of the couple amid their British return.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Left the Royal Family in January 2020
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry stepped back as senior members of The Firm in early 2020.
The Suits star and the Invictus Games founder left The Firm in 2020 and stepped back from their royal duties. They subsequently moved to Montecito, Calif., and returned to the U.K. on August 26.
The duo will stay in the country for an extended period of time with their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, though they will still maintain their residences in Portugal and on the West Coast.
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Prince Harry's Team Was Notified of King Charles' Letter
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry flew back to England on August 26 and will be staying for a prolonged period of time.
The note was issued by Richard Benyon, the Lord Chamberlain, with the king’s advice and was also shared with Harry's team.
The BBC reported on Tuesday that the Sussexes' camp received the letter at 1:59 p.m. U.K. time, and sent back questions just 20 minutes later.
At 3:09 p.m., the Spare author's representatives were able to get in contact with Harry, who had been in a meeting, to let him know about the letter and the inquiries they planned to ask about.
But by 3:11 p.m., the team was notified the memo had circulated to the media.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Are Still 'Private Citizens' Despite Their U.K. Move
The Sussexes will not be able to use their HRH titles during their time in the U.K.
“To help avoid doubt or confusion, The King has directed that the following information be shared,” the letter read. “It is well known that in January 2020 the Duke and Duchess stepped down from undertaking representative duties on behalf of The Sovereign, and are no longer working Members of The Royal Family."
The correspondence then indicated that Meghan and Harry are “private citizens” and are still not able to utilize their HRH titles.
"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," the memo stated.
Meghan and Harry's charity work will also be "undertaken in their private capacity," as their positions are "akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests.”
