King Charles III bans Harry and Meghan from being referred to as royals
«Their status has not changed»
The return of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to the UK has already sparked plenty of discussion. Now, King Charles III has publicly addressed the arrival of his younger son and his family for the first time.
Under the monarch’s decision, Harry and Meghan are free to live in the UK, but neither their former royal duties nor their previous status will be restored. What’s more, Charles III has banned Harry and Meghan from being referred to as members of the royal family.
According to the BBC, a letter on behalf of the monarch was sent to representatives of the government, the Ministry of Defence and members of the House of Lords. Around 100 people received the document in total. It was prompted by numerous questions about how Harry and Meghan should now be treated.
The letter explicitly states that they are no longer working members of the royal family. As a result, they should not be treated as representatives of the monarchy. In particular, they should not be addressed as «His Royal Highness» or «Her Royal Highness» — their titles remain suspended and are not to be used.
«The charitable activities of the Duke and Duchess are a personal matter for both of them and are carried out in a private capacity. Their position is similar to that of private individuals who have commercial and charitable interests», the letter states.
Charles III also stressed that the arrangements agreed upon following Harry and Meghan’s withdrawal from royal duties in 2020 will not be revisited.
«Their status has not changed», the letter states.
This means that Harry and Meghan will not be able to make a partial return to royal life either. They are not permitted to carry out official duties while simultaneously developing their own independent business.
At the end of August, the Sussexes returned to the UK with their children after spending six years in the United States. In 2020, Harry and Meghan announced their decision to step back from working members of the royal family.
The couple is now living at their own residence outside London, which does not belong to the royal family.
Photo: Instagram @theroyalfamily, Depositphotos
