Harry and Meghan surprised by King Charles' letter on their status

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle expressed surprise after receiving a letter from King Charles clarifying their status as private citizens rather than working royals. The couple, who recently returned to the UK, are currently awaiting a decision on their security arrangements.
Why it matters
The clarification formalizes the couple's estrangement from official royal duties and highlights ongoing tensions regarding their security and public status.
LONDON, Sept 8 (Reuters) - Prince Harry and his wife Meghan are surprised by a letter sent on behalf of King Charles clarifying that they were no longer working members of the royal family and that they would remain private citizens, their spokesperson said.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex and their two children returned to live in Britain last month, six years after stepping down from royal duties and moving to the U.S. during a period of estrangement and awkward relations with the royal family.
The return was a surprise even to close family with Harry's father, the king, only being told days before the news became public.
In a letter, authorised by Charles and sent to senior British officials on Monday, it was made clear that Harry and Meghan were no longer working members of the royal family.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in