King Charles directed the Lord Chamberlain to send guidance describing Harry and Meghan as "akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests," restating their non-working status and that they will not use HRH styles. The Sussexes accept they are non-working royals but object to being labeled private citizens, arguing they remain high-profile public figures. The letter did not change security arrangements, which are determined by police and government, and Harry continues a busy schedule of charitable engagements.
Palace Labels Harry & Meghan 'Private Citizens' — Why the Sussexes Push Back
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King Charles asked the Lord Chamberlain to clarify the status of Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, after the couple returned to the UK. A brief letter described them as "akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests," a phrase that has prompted a public pushback from the Sussex camp and renewed debate about security, public roles and communication.
What the Letter Said
Signed by Lord Chamberlain Richard Benyon, the letter reiterated the arrangement agreed when Harry and Meghan stepped back from official royal duties in 2020: they remain non-working members of the Royal Family, will not use HRH styles for public duties, and carry out charitable work in a private capacity rather than on behalf of the monarch. The document did not strip them of their Duke and Duchess titles or create any new formal arrangement.
"In short, their position is akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests," the letter said, according to Reuters.
Why the Sussexes Object
Sources close to Harry and Meghan told PEOPLE and other outlets that while they accept they are not returning as working royals, they reject being framed as "private citizens." The couple’s representatives stress they remain globally recognizable public figures who continue to undertake high-profile charity work, business projects and media ventures—activities their team says do not resemble an ordinary private life.
Security And Operational Decisions
The Palace letter did not set or change security arrangements. It made clear that operational decisions about protection are the responsibility of police and government authorities. Reports indicate the government committee responsible for protection arrangements was preparing to review the family's security following their move back to Britain.
Timing And Communication Concerns
Harry and Meghan were reportedly surprised by how the guidance was released: their team saw the letter shortly before it was circulated to officials and the media (the Associated Press and Reuters reported the Sussex team received the letter roughly an hour before public release). That timing, combined with renewed scrutiny of their protection needs, contributed to the couple’s frustration.
Public Activities Ahead
Despite not being working royals, Harry remains active in public and charitable work. He is scheduled to appear at the inaugural Invictus Spirit Awards, attend another Invictus event in Birmingham, and support the WellChild Awards. He is also due to travel to New York for the Clinton Global Initiative on September 22–23—appearances carried out in his personal capacity rather than as a representative of the Crown.
What This Means
The clarification from Buckingham Palace aims to limit confusion among government, military and local officials about what duties and courtesies apply to the Sussexes. But the dispute over the phrase "private citizens" highlights a broader tension: how to define the public roles and security needs of high-profile former royals who remain prominent on the world stage.
Sources: Reuters, PEOPLE, Us Weekly, Associated Press.
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