KING Charles III has confirmed that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle remain non-working members of the Royal Family following their return to the UK.
A letter sent on behalf of the King to senior government officials makes clear that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will continue to live outside the working Royal Family, as they have done since stepping back from official royal duties in 2020.
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The communication also sets out how official organisations should deal with the couple, including questions surrounding royal courtesies, public funds and security.
Are Prince Harry and Meghan working members of the Royal Family?
No. King Charles has reiterated that Harry and Meghan remain non-working members of the Royal Family.
The couple stepped back from their official royal duties in 2020 and subsequently moved to the United States.
The letter confirms that their status has not changed following their return to the UK.
Can Prince Harry and Meghan still use their royal titles?
The letter says the couple will continue to refrain from using their royal titles, as they have done since stepping back from official duties.
Harry remains the Duke of Sussex, while Meghan is the Duchess of Sussex, but the couple have not returned to official royal duties.
The communication was sent to senior government and military officials as well as lord lieutenants, who act as the King's representatives around the country.
Can Harry and Meghan carry out charity work?
Yes. Any charity work undertaken by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be carried out in a private capacity.
This means their charitable activities will not be considered official work carried out on behalf of the Royal Family.
The Lord Chamberlain said that questions from official and state organisations about the courtesies that should be extended to Harry and Meghan should be directed to Buckingham Palace.
Does Prince Harry still have publicly funded security?
Security remains a particularly sensitive issue for Prince Harry.
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The Duke has been involved in a long-running legal battle over publicly funded police protection after his security arrangements changed when he and Meghan stepped back from royal duties.
The decision over whether Harry should receive round-the-clock police protection is not made by Buckingham Palace.
It is a matter for RAVEC, the Royal and VIP Executive Committee, a government panel responsible for security arrangements for senior figures.
Why has Buckingham Palace issued the letter?
The letter was sent by the Lord Chamberlain, the most senior official in the Royal Household.
It was distributed to senior officials in government and the military, as well as the King's personal representatives around the country.
The letter says: "To help avoid doubt or confusion, The King has directed that (this) information be shared."
While the communication does not change Harry and Meghan's existing position, its release publicly underlines the importance being placed on making their status clear to official organisations.
What does the letter mean for Prince Harry and Meghan?
The message is essentially a clarification of the couple's existing position.
Harry and Meghan remain outside the working Royal Family and will continue their activities in a private capacity.
The letter also makes clear that questions involving public funds, official courtesies and security should be dealt with through the appropriate government or palace channels.
For now, there has been no change to the couple's status since they stepped back from royal duties in 2020.
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