Official Guidance on Sussex Status
A letter issued on behalf of King Charles has clarified the status of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, stating they are to be treated as “private citizens” during their time in the UK. The guidance, sent by the Lord Chamberlain, a senior Palace official, on behalf of the King, confirms that Harry and Meghan cannot use their “HRH” titles and will not be undertaking official engagements as working royals.
The letter, intended to clarify the couple’s position, was sent to various senior stakeholders, including government departments, military officials, and Lord Lieutenants, who are the monarch’s local representatives. Palace sources insisted there was “nothing controversial or new” in the letter, stating it aligns with the Sussexes’ stated wishes to remain private citizens while in the UK and is in accordance with the “Sandringham summit” agreement made in 2020. Buckingham Palace sources queried why the Duke and Duchess would need to be consulted, dismissing any notion that they might wish to suggest edits. The letter asserts that any charitable work undertaken by the couple is a personal matter and conducted in their private capacity. It also directs that any questions regarding the reception of the Sussexes, particularly concerning public funds, should be directed to Buckingham Palace.
According to The Telegraph, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were given just one hour’s notice of the King’s letter. The missive was reportedly shared with the Sussexes’ office at 1:59pm on a Monday, with their staff responding 20 minutes later to ask if the guidance had already been issued, seeking time to alert the couple and clarify points. Aides managed to inform Prince Harry of the draft letter at 3:09pm, but were told three minutes later, at 3:06pm, that it had already been shared with the media.
The Sandringham Agreement and Sussex Reaction
The King’s letter reaffirms the terms of the 2020 Sandringham Agreement, which stipulated that a “half-in and half-out” status was not an option for members of the Royal family pursuing private business interests. This agreement followed the Sussexes’ announcement of their intention to divide their time between Britain and the United States while also representing the Royal family. As a result of the 2020 discussions, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex ceased to use their HRH titles and no longer receive public funds for royal duties. They also agreed to repay £2.4 million of taxpayer money used for Frogmore Cottage renovations and to pay commercial rent on the property.
In response to the King’s letter, a spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex indicated that the couple were “a little surprised not to have been told about this in advance.” A briefing given to The Telegraph suggested that the Sussexes prefer the term “public figures” and would have liked an acknowledgement of their continued, personal membership of the Royal family, despite no longer receiving public funding. This public exchange has led to speculation about ongoing tensions, with the The Guardian commentary likening the situation to events in reality television.
Implications for Public Appearances and Security
The clarification comes as Prince Harry and Meghan are expected to make public appearances in the UK this autumn to support their charities. Prince Harry has reportedly been pictured at a London TV and podcast studio since his return. The letter serves as a marker, indicating that any engagements undertaken by the Sussexes should not be treated as official royal engagements. Furthermore, the letter directs that any operational security issues should be addressed to the relevant police authorities, a matter which has been a point of contention for Prince Harry, who has raised concerns about a lack of adequate police protection in the UK. These issues are subject to decisions by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee, known as Ravec.
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