King Charles Finally Clarifies If Harry and Meghan Will Be Working Royals — and It Changes Everything
King Charles has stated in clear words whether Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are still a part of the Firm or not.
In a shocking move, King Charles has finally clarified whether Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are working royals. And the royal verdict is that the Sussexes 'are no longer working members' of the Firm and will lead their lives in the UK in a private capacity. The statement comes days after the family of four landed in Birmingham along with their two pet dogs.
On the monarch’s advice, his senior official, the Lord Chamberlain, shared a guidance letter with relevant senior officials across the government, the military, and the Lord Lieutenancies. The letter was reportedly shared with Harry and Markle as well. The King had seemingly drafted the letter to “help avoid doubt or confusion” as the Palace had received “a number of requests for guidance” after the Sussexes moved to the UK last month.
The letter read (via the Daily Mail), “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 King mentioned that this “position” was “distinct from the state and royal duties undertaken by the working Royal Family”. The letter further added, “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.”
Apart from their royal roles, one question that has been the subject of chatter over the last several years has been about Harry and Markle’s HRH status. The letter delved into that territory as well, reading, “It follows that there is no change to the current status of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Their styles as His and Her Royal Highness remain in abeyance and are not used.” It further stated that the couple’s charitable work was a “personal matter for them both and undertaken in their private capacity”. The Palace put it bluntly, “In short, their position is akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests.”
The letter also advised, “Any specific questions from official and State organizations about the courtesies which should be extended to the Duke and Duchess, and particularly where recourse to public funds may be required, should be directed to Buckingham Palace. Any operational security issues should continue to be directed to the relevant police authorities.” It mentioned that “all correspondence and administrative questions relating to the couple should be sent directly to their office, which will continue to operate separately from the Royal Household”.
The guidance letter could prove to be a decisive action in the ever-growing confusion of the royal drama. It may also further hint that, as expected, Harry and Markle might not be invited to state ceremonies, including Remembrance Day later this year.
