Palace letter confirms Harry and Meghan remain non-working royals after UK return

Buckingham Palace has sent a letter to the British government, military, and Lord Lieutenants clarifying that Prince Harry and Meghan — who moved back to the UK from California last month with their children Archie and Lilibet — remain non-working members of the Royal Family. The letter, sent on behalf of King Charles by the Lord Chamberlain, makes clear the couple cannot use their HRH titles and are to be treated as private citizens.

What the letter says

The letter states: "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." It specifies that "the charitable work of the Duke and Duchess is a personal matter for them both and undertaken in their private capacity." The message also makes clear that any questions about receptions or public funds connected to the Sussexes should be directed to Buckingham Palace, and that security matters should be directed to the relevant police authorities.

The Sandringham Agreement remains in force

The letter reaffirms the so-called Sandringham Agreement of 2020, which ruled out a "half-in and half-out" arrangement that would allow Harry and Meghan to pursue commercial interests while remaining working royals. Palace sources said the letter was made public in a spirit of transparency rather than risk its contents emerging through leaks.

The move comes ahead of expected public appearances by Harry and Meghan this autumn as they settle into life in the UK and support their charitable work. The clarification is seen as a firm message from the King that their engagements will not be treated as official royal events.