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Harry and Meghan ‘surprised’ by King ruling out the couple returning as working royals
Confirmed
In Short: Harry and Meghan were surprised by a letter from the King that clarified their status as private citizens and ruled out any 'half-in and half-out' status, according to a spokesperson for the couple.
Harry and Meghan were surprised by a letter from the King that clarified their status as private citizens and ruled out any 'half-in and half-out' status, according to a spokesperson for the couple. The letter, sent to Prince Harry's team and government departments, emphasized that the 2020 Sandringham Agreement still stands, which ruled out any working royal status for the Sussexes.
The King's letter, sent through the Lord Chamberlain, a top Palace official, made it clear that Harry and Meghan cannot use titles of 'His and Her Royal Highness' and are not working members of the Royal Family. The couple's return to the UK with their children Archie and Lilibet last month prompted the clarification, as they had previously stepped down from their royal duties in January 2020.
President Donald Trump, known for his opinions on the royal family, added that the couple treated the Royal Family with 'great disrespect.' In contrast, the King was glad to spend more time with the family but remained firm on their non-working status. The letter was intended to clarify the situation for government departments and military officials following requests for guidance.
The couple's relationship with the royal family has been strained since their 2020 announcement, and the King's letter reiterated that they remain private citizens despite their return to the UK. The letter was sent in response to inquiries after their return last month, and it instructed the Lord Chamberlain to contact relevant departments.
What's confirmed
What's still developing
- The message from the King emphasised that the position agreed in 2020 when the Sussexes left the UK - the so-called Sandringham Agreement - is still in place.
- The stars of Netflix's The Gentlemen season two reacted to the swirling rumours that Meghan, Duchess of Sussex may be joining the cast.
- Prince Harry has had a strained relationship with his family since he and his wife announced in January 2020 that they wanted to step down as senior royals for a dual life, earning their own money in the US and supporting the monarch.
- The couple headed to California and quit as senior working royals completely in March 2020, just as the Covid pandemic took hold.
- The Duchess of Sussex immediately noticed and was surprised by the contrast, according to a royal biographer.