Harry-Meghan to be treated as private citizens, not working royals: King Charles

india toHarry and Meghan are back in Britain for good, six years after quitting royal duties and moving to the US after a falling out with the royal family. King Charles has made it clear they won't be resuming official duties.

In Short

• King Charles clarifies that Harry and Meghan are no longer working members of royal family
• Letter says the couple’s charitable work must remain strictly personal
• Harry and Meghan returned to UK but can't perform royal duties or use HRH title

King Charles has made clear that Prince Harry and Meghan remain private citizens, not working royals, despite their much-publicised return to Britain.

A letter issued on the King’s behalf on Monday states the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are still bound by the terms agreed when they stepped down from royal duties in 2020. They are "no longer working Members of The Royal Family" and do not represent the sovereign at public appearances.

The letter was sent to Harry’s team, government departments, military officials and Lord Lieutenants, according to Palace sources cited by the BBC.

It also makes clear that Harry and Meghan should not use their HRH styles, which remain in abeyance.

"The charitable work of the Duke and Duchess is a personal matter for them both and undertaken in their private capacity," the letter says. "In short, their position is akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests."

NO HALF-IN, HALF-OUT

The message reinforces the so-called Sandringham Agreement, reached after Harry and Meghan announced their withdrawal from royal duties.

The 2020 arrangement ruled out a "half-in and half-out" role. The couple could not pursue independent commercial interests while continuing as working royals.

Officials have also stressed that the guidance reflects Harry and Meghan’s wishes to remain private citizens while in the UK.

"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 letter says.

That means their return to Britain does not amount to a return to royal duties.

SECURITY UP IN THE AIR

The letter also draws a line around the couple’s long-running security dispute.

"Any operational security issues should continue to be directed to the relevant police authorities," it says.

Harry has repeatedly complained that he does not receive adequate police protection in Britain. The security issue remains unresolved.

HARRY-MEGHAN RETURN TO UK SPOTLIGHT

Harry and his family returned to the UK in August, six years after leaving royal duties and moving to the United States.

Harry and Meghan stepped down in 2020 and began building independent careers in California. Their departure was followed by a bitter public rift with the royal family.

The couple cited tabloid intrusion, racism in British institutions, online abuse and difficult family dynamics among the reasons for leaving.

The King's letter comes as Meghan is expected to undertake charity work in Britain in the coming weeks. Harry is expected to resume public appearances sooner.

Meanwhile, their two children -- Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet -- are expected to attend school in Britain, near the family’s countryside retreat in the Cotswolds.

- Ends