Is it a slap-down? Is it a mere clarification? Whatever the interpretation, the letter issued by Buckingham Palace underlining that Harry and Meghan are not working royals is the result of the King firmly taking charge of the agenda where the Sussexes are concerned.
The guidance was sent out under King Charles’s instructions by his most senior official, the Lord Chamberlain. It was addressed to “senior stakeholders” in the Government, military and those who help organise royal events around the country, such as Lord-Lieutenants.
Pointedly, the letter was also “shared” with Prince Harry and the Duchess of Sussex themselves. Not a quiet word in your ear, not a private memo: no, this was a formal, blunt statement of fact sent to Harry on his father’s orders. Ouch!
They wanted to be private citizens and now they most definitely are. Furthermore, in case they needed reminding, the letter reinforces that they are not allowed to use their styles of His or Her Royal Highness. Not even a sneaky little HRH in the corner of an invitation or Instagram post. Double ouch!
It could all have been done discreetly, but Buckingham Palace has allowed this formal guidance to be made public. There is to be no doubt: the door clearly remains firmly closed to any ambition the Sussexes might have harboured to resume their lives as working royals. And the King is not going to be bounced into accepting any change in their status just because they have chosen to return to the UK.
