King Charles formalizes Sussex status: Harry and Meghan won't work royals
King Charles formally confirms Harry and Meghan will not be working royals.
Event / Politics
Prince Harry Meghan Royal Status
King Charles III formally confirmed that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will not serve as working royals, reiterating their 2020 decision to step down from royal duties and clarifying their status as private citizens without HRH titles.
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2026-09-09 to 2026-11-07 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 9 Sept, 01:31 UTC
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What happened
Prince Harry makes public appearance at London studio
Prince Harry made his first public appearance since relocating to the United Kingdom at Tower Bridge Studios in London, where he signed the studio's wall. The purpose of the visit was not disclosed, though it could fuel speculation about his future media or charitable activities.
Prince Harry and Meghan returned to the United Kingdom after six years
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle returned to the United Kingdom on August 26, 2026, after living abroad for six years. Their return has placed their relationship with Buckingham Palace under renewed scrutiny, particularly regarding their security arrangements and potential roles within the royal family structure.
Sussexes received King's letter with minimal advance notice
Prince Harry and Meghan's representatives received a copy of King Charles's letter only one hour and twelve minutes before it was released to news media outlets. Harry was in a meeting and could not be reached until two minutes before the letter's public release, leaving the couple insufficient time to review or provide substantive comment on its contents.
King Charles confirms Prince Harry and Meghan will not be working royals
King Charles III sent a letter to senior government and military officials clarifying that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who returned to the United Kingdom in August 2026, will not serve as working members of the royal family. The letter reiterates the 2020 decision when the couple stepped down from royal duties. Their HRH titles remain in abeyance and cannot be used. The couple's charitable work is undertaken in their private capacity as private citizens with commercial and charitable interests.
Royal security committee expected to meet regarding Sussex security arrangements
The Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC) is expected to meet to discuss Prince Harry and Meghan's security arrangements. The couple is seeking restoration of 24/7 publicly funded police protection, which was canceled when they stepped down as working royals in 2020. The timing of the King's letter coincides with these security deliberations.
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