Prince Harry and Meghan Unhappy Over 'Private Citizen' Label in King Charles's Letter, Source Claims
Palace officials indicated that the guidance was consistent with the Sussexes' wish to live as "private citizens while in the UK."
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle returned to the UK after almost six years for an 'extended stay'. There had been no public acknowledgment of their significant move from the royal family's side until now, when King Charles confirmed their working status by issuing a guidance letter stating that they will not return as working royals. The letter, written by Lord Chamberlain Lord Benyon, deemed them "private citizens with commercial and charitable interests". However, it is claimed that Harry is dissatisfied with the 'private citizens' label and is looking for an alternative.
"The Duke is understood to have taken particular issue with the notion that the couple were to be treated as private citizens. If that were the case, it was claimed, such formal guidance would not be required, a source told The Telegraph. "The Sussexes prefer the term 'public figures', and would have liked an acknowledgment that, on a personal level, they remained members of the Royal Family, despite no longer receiving public funding," the source added.
Meanwhile, palace officials indicated that the guidance was consistent with the Sussexes' wish to live as "private citizens while in the UK." The document also noted the 2020 Sandringham Summit agreement, which facilitated their exit from royal duties and subsequent relocation to the United States. Buckingham Palace declined to provide any further clarification, asserting that the letter spoke for itself.
A spokesman for the Sussexes expressed surprise at not being informed about the letter's publication, which revealed tension between the Palace and the Sussexes since their return to Britain. This move came right before a crucial meeting on the couple's taxpayer-funded police protection and in response to inquiries about their public standing following their relocation to the UK. Harry has repeatedly sought clarity on his family's protection status from the Home Secretary and the chairman of Ravec.
The Risk Management Board completed a threat assessment in July, but it has not been shared with him. A meeting was expected to verify eligibility for state-funded police protection or to start a new review based on their permanent residency in Britain. Meanwhile, a palace source denied any link between a letter and the security matter, stating that protection decisions are governed by the Government, GB News reported.
Meanwhile, after the definitive blow from King Charles, Harry's concerns about Palace officials influencing decisions regarding him have resurfaced. "It is no secret that the Duke does not trust the courtiers who work for the royal household. He does not like Sir Clive Alderton, the King’s private secretary, who sits on Ravec, and who, he is convinced, has been a key player in the decision to deny him security," royal editor Victoria Ward noted.
