The King Makes His Position VERY Clear on Prince Harry's Future in the UK With New Statement
A letter released by the Lord Chamberlain, the most senior officer for the Royal Household, reiterated the Palace's position on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex official role
THE King has released a statement regarding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's status within the Royal Family.
Since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were revealed to be making a sensational comeback to the UK, speculation has run rampant about their future endeavours. Although sources revealed the pair would not be returning as working members of the Royal Family shortly after the news was revealed, many online have speculated the geographical implications could be something more. Some have suggested that the pair could have a 'private Royals Plus' arrangement, where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could live largely as private citizens, but could make the odd appearance at events such as Trooping the Colour or even the Christmas walkabout at Sandringham.
Now, the firm has issued direct guidance, clarifying the position of His Majesty The King on the role of his younger son and their family going forward. Lord Benyon GCVO, serves as the Lord Chamberlain, the most senior officer of the Royal Household, and he released a letter giving "guidance" at the direction of His Majesty, The King. This comes as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex look set to continue with their commercial endeavours.
It read: "Following the decision by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to relocate to the UK, we have received a number of requests for Guidance. To help avoid doubt or confusion, The King has directed that the following information be shared. 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. 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 letter continued: "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. The charitable work of the Duke and Duchess is a personal matter for them both and undertaken in their private capacity. In short, their position is akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests. Any specific questions from official and State organisations 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."
The security arrangements surrounding the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been somewhat of a contentious topic of conversation in the UK, as Prince Harry continues to request armed security arrangements to protect his family. The letter also addressed this point, adding: "Any operational security issues should continue to be directed to the relevant Police authorities."
Further emphasising the difference in role, the operational note added: "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."
Reacting to the news, Royal Commentator Afua Hagan explained that this was an opportunity for Buckingham Palace to 'differentiate' itself from the commercial opportunities of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Speaking exclusively to the Royal Observer, she said: "They're not telling us anything new. We already knew that they weren't going to be working royals."
Speaking about the Palace, she continued: "I think it was just a chance for them to reiterate and demarcate sort of 'them and us'. And I think it probably indicates that we're going to be seeing much more of the Sussexes." Adding: "So they [The Palace] just wanted to remind us that they are not working royals. I think it was a reminder of the position."
