Prince Harry and Meghan Markle react to King Charles’ letter on royal status amid move back to UK

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have said they were “surprised” by a letter from King Charles making clear they remain private citizens rather than working members of the Royal Family following their return to the UK.

The pair relocated to Britain in August ahead of their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, starting school. The couple are reportedly staying at a private residence outside London.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s spokesman said they were not informed in advance about the letter’s publication.

“We were a little surprised not to have been told about this in advance,” the spokesman said.

However, Palace sources told the Daily Mail that the couple had received the letter before it was released publicly, although they were not consulted on its contents.

The letter was reportedly shared with Harry’s team before publication in the interests of “transparency”.

Written on the King’s instruction by Lord Benyon, Lord Chamberlain and head of the Royal Household, the letter was sent to more than 100 senior stakeholders following requests for guidance about the Sussexes’ status while living in the UK.

It states 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 letter also says their charitable activities are undertaken privately and describes their position as being “akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests”.

The timing has drawn attention because Harry and Meghan are seeking the restoration of 24/7 armed police protection in Britain.

The Daily Mail reported that the Royal and VIP Executive Committee, known as Ravec, is expected to consider their security arrangements.

Palace sources said the letter was unrelated to the security discussions and reiterated the existing position under the 2020 Sandringham agreement.