Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle were surprised to learn through the media about a letter issued on behalf of King Charles reaffirming that they remain non-working royals, a spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said.
According to the BBC, the couple, who recently returned to the UK, were “a little surprised” that they had not been informed about the letter in advance.
Royal sources, however, said Harry and Meghan had been made aware of the letter, which was sent on Monday afternoon, before it was released publicly.
Meanwhile, a security committee comprising Home Office representatives is expected to meet this week to review the level of taxpayer-funded protection available to the Sussexes, who are now living in the UK.
The Royal and VIP Executive Committee, known as Ravec, is responsible for determining security arrangements for members of the royal family and other prominent figures. Harry has previously raised concerns about the level of police protection provided to him in Britain.
The Home Office declined to comment on the committee’s deliberations.
“The UK government’s protective security system is rigorous and proportionate,” a Home Office spokesperson said, adding that details of security arrangements were not disclosed because doing so could compromise their effectiveness and individuals’ safety.
The Sussexes’ reported surprise over the King’s message is understood to relate to the limited time they had to respond. Sources said they saw the letter roughly an hour before it was shared with the media, and that it was close to publication by the time Harry’s team was contacted.
The letter, issued on behalf of King Charles by the Lord Chamberlain, a senior Palace official, reaffirmed that Harry and Meghan are private citizens and non-working members of the royal family.
The couple will continue to be barred from using the titles “His Royal Highness” and “Her Royal Highness”.
Harry and Meghan returned to the UK from California last month with their children, Archie and Lilibet.
According to Palace sources, copies of the letter were sent to Harry’s team, government departments, military officials and Lord Lieutenants, who serve as the monarch’s representatives in local areas and are often involved in royal visits and official engagements.
The letter also makes clear that any engagements undertaken by the Sussexes will be conducted in a private capacity and will not represent the Royal Family.
The clarification appears intended to ensure that future visits or activities by Harry and Meghan are not treated as official royal engagements.
