Official guidance issued on behalf of King Charles makes clear that Prince Harry and Meghan will not perform official royal duties or represent the Royal Family after moving back to the United Kingdom.
The official memo, distributed by the Lord Chamberlain to government bodies, military officials, local representatives, and the couple’s personal team, confirms that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain private citizens. The communication emphasizes that their visits and charitable activities must be conducted strictly in a personal capacity rather than as royal engagements.
The guidance clarifies that the terms agreed upon during the couple’s 2020 departure, commonly known as the Sandringham Agreement, stay fully in force. Under these rules, the pair cannot mix private commercial ventures with official duties, and their “His and Her Royal Highness” titles remain out of use.
”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,” the letter states.
”The charitable work of the Duke and Duchess is a personal matter for them both and undertaken in their private capacity,” the letter adds.
The directive arrives as the Sussexes prepare for potential public events this autumn while settling into the UK, where their children, Archie and Lilibet, are set to attend school. A recent social media photo from a London media studio showed Prince Harry in public for the first time since their move.
To address potential conflicts regarding public engagements or resources, the Palace instructed organizations to direct formal questions to Buckingham Palace.
”Any questions from organisations about the reception to be given to the Sussexes, particularly where recourse to public funds may be required, should be directed to Buckingham Palace,” the message notes.
Palace sources indicated that publishing the Lord Chamberlain’s letter was intended to maintain transparency and prevent unverified leaks.
The directive also addresses persistent questions surrounding protection for the couple. Addressing safety arrangements, the letter specifies: “Any operational security issues should continue to be directed to the relevant police authorities.”
Prince Harry has previously raised concerns regarding the security provided to his family within the UK. Official policy places security assessments for high-profile figures under the authority of the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec).
The couple relocated to California in 2020 following their step back from official duties, pursuing individual commercial projects including Prince Harry’s memoir Spare and Meghan’s food brand, As Ever. Reports indicate Meghan may explore acting opportunities again, while Prince Harry is expected to support projects such as the upcoming Invictus Games in Birmingham.
Read More: Hafidh Ameir Hassan, Husband of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Dies at 70