The Duke and Duchess of Sussex expressed surprise after receiving a formal letter from the Royal Household reaffirming their status as non-working members of the royal family. The letter, issued under the authority of King Charles and communicated by the Lord Chamberlain, Richard Benyon, was sent to key government, military, and royal stakeholders following the couple’s return to the United Kingdom from the United States earlier this month.
The letter reiterated terms established during the 2020 Sandringham summit, confirming that Harry and Meghan are to be regarded as private citizens rather than active working royals. It emphasized that the couple’s use of their HRH titles remains suspended, and their charitable activities are conducted in a private capacity rather than as official royal duties. The message also highlighted that any official inquiries regarding state protocols or the use of public funds related to the Sussexes should be directed to Buckingham Palace, while operational security matters fall under appropriate police authorities.
According to representatives for the Sussexes, the couple were given minimal notice of the letter’s circulation and were caught off guard when the contents were released to the media. The letter’s content was reportedly shared with Harry and Meghan’s team less than two hours before it was publicized, leaving little opportunity for clarification or response. At the time of the letter’s release, Harry was engaged in a meeting and was unable to respond immediately. The Sussexes’ team sought confirmation on whether the communication had already been distributed, only to learn it had been sent to the media.
The timing of the letter coincides with an upcoming meeting of the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec), a body responsible for assessing security arrangements for members of the royal family. Following the Sussexes’ decision to step back from senior royal roles in 2020, Ravec adjusted their protection level by requiring advance notice of travel plans and conducting individual threat assessments. Harry has previously challenged the security arrangements, including a legal case last year, which he lost. The forthcoming meeting is expected to address whether Harry, Meghan, and their children will qualify for taxpayer-funded security while residing in the UK.
The couple’s children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are anticipated to begin schooling in the UK near the family’s countryside residence. Meanwhile, Harry has been seen attending a recording studio in London, reflecting ongoing personal and professional activities alongside their private charitable pursuits.
No official comment has been made by the Home Office regarding the security review or the use of public funds for the Sussex family’s protection. The Royal Household’s letter affirms the couple’s current standing within the royal framework while underscoring the private nature of their roles and financial independence.