Sussex Inner Circle Reacts to King Charles's Directive on Harry and Meghan's Non-Working Status
King Charles issues a definitive statement outlining the Sussex's status when it comes to the Royal Family.
Buckingham Palace has finally addressed the status of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle following their arrival in the UK last month along with their children for an 'extended stay.' In a definitive move, King Charles has quashed the couple's 'half in, half out' strategy with a strong statement. The palace confirmed that the Sussexes 'will not be working royals' during their stay in the UK. A letter from King Charles, communicated to various high officials via the Lord Chamberlain, Richard Benyon, stated that they are "private citizens" and cannot carry out official engagements on behalf of the monarchy nor use the titles of "His and Her Royal Highness." Additionally, any activities they engage in will not represent the Royal Family, the BBC reported.
The Sussexes chose not to respond immediately, though their inner circle was reportedly rattled by the announcement, since in July the couple had a brief emotional reunion with the King after the monarch had extended an olive branch for reconciliation. A close friend argued that Prince Harry can "never be an entirely private citizen," stating, "Some people will say, ‘But they’re private citizens.’ Nonsense. Utter nonsense. They are two of the most high-profile people in the world. The idea that Harry, who is the King’s son and brother to the future King, could ever live an entirely private life is for the birds," the Express UK reported. Meanwhile, other observers interpreted the King's firm directive as a strategic effort to block the couple from capitalizing on their royal status, particularly through Meghan's lifestyle brand, As Ever.
A day after the news broke, a spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stated that they were left surprised by the letter and had not been informed in advance. However, royal sources claimed that the couple was aware of the palace development before its public release, the BBC reported. This disclosure occurred ahead of a meeting of the executive committee for the protection of royalty and public figures (RAVEC), which oversees royal security decisions. Furthermore, the letter reinforced the distinction between the couple and the working royal family, noting that this boundary would be respected to support their ongoing financial independence and privacy.
The letter addressed inquiries from official and state organizations about courtesies for the couple, stating that matters regarding public funds should be directed to Buckingham Palace. It also clarified that operational security issues must be referred to police authorities. The clarification came on the heels of Prince Harry's visit to Tower Bridge Studios in London, known for recording podcasts like Diary of a CEO and Jimmy Carr’s The Big Pitch, The Guardian reported.
