Harry and Meghan ‘surprised’ by King ruling out the couple returning as working royals

Harry and Meghan have reacted after the Royal Household sent a letter clarifying their official status as non working royals.

The King, in a letter sent on Monday, reiterated that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain private citizens despite their return to the UK. The letter instructed the Lord Chamberlain to contact Government departments and the military following requests for guidance after Harry and Meghan returned last month.

A spokesperson for the Sussexes told the BBC that the pair “were a little surprised not to have been told about this in advance.”

The broadcaster said that royal sources had told them the couple were made aware of the letter before it was made public.

The Sussexes returned to the UK on 26 August after news earlier that month that they were enrolling their children, Archie and Lillibet, into British schools. In the run up to their return, the King was said to be glad to be able to spend more time with the family, but remained adamant they would not be working royals and there was no half-in, half-out option.

The letter from royal aide Lord Benyon, whose office is responsible for organising the King’s ceremonial and public-facing events, said: “Following the decision by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to relocate to the UK, we have received a number of requests for guidance. To help avoid doubt or confusion, The King has directed that the following information be shared.

“It is well known that in January 2020 the Duke and Duchess stepped down from undertaking representative duties on behalf of The Sovereign, and are no longer working Members of The Royal Family.

“This position, distinct from the State and Royal duties undertaken by the working Royal Family, and with the personal latitude it brings the couple in respect of financial independence and protection of their privacy as they would wish, will continue to be fully respected.”

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