Buckingham Palace has officially confirmed that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will not resume official royal duties following their return to the United Kingdom. A letter, sent on behalf of King Charles III, reiterates that the couple's status remains the same as when they stepped back as working royals in 2020.
"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," the letter states. "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."
The palace emphasized that a change in residence does not signify a change in royal standing. "It follows that there is no change to the current status of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex," the letter added. "Their styles as His and Her Royal Highness remain in abeyance and are not used. The charitable work of the Duke and Duchess is a personal matter for them both and undertaken in their private capacity. In short, their position is akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests."
The correspondence was issued by the Lord Chamberlain, the senior official in the royal household, to government and military officials, as well as the king's representatives across the country. Representatives for Prince Harry and Markle did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle relocated back to the U.K. in late August. Their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, were reportedly enrolled in British schools and were set to begin classes in September. The family intends to reside in a private, non-royal home outside of London.
Royal experts have indicated that the couple will not return to their former royal roles. "While Harry and Meghan are returning, they are not regaining official royal roles," said royal expert Hilary Fordwich. "Nor was there any agreement to a 'half-in, half-out' construct. They have been thwarted by trying to do what they agreed to with Queen Elizabeth II."
Some speculate that Prince Harry's motivation for returning to Britain may be more personal, potentially driven by a desire to spend more time with his father, King Charles III. However, a return to the U.K. places the couple back under significant public and royal scrutiny, according to former royal butler Grant Harrold.