The King has made it clear that despite Prince Harry and Meghan's surprise return to the UK last month - they are still 'private citizens' and are not working members of the Royal Family11:13, 08 Sep 2026They returned to the UK at the end of last month in a bombshell move after six years of living in California.‌But now, the King has made it clear to Prince Harry and Meghan even though they are back in Britain, they will remain private citizens and that they "do not represent the sovereign" while out making public appearances.‌Charles made his stance clear in a letter from royal aide Lord Benyon, whose office is responsible for organising the King’s ceremonial and public-facing events. It sets out that the duke and duchess do not use their HRH styles and any operational security issues involving them should be directed to the relevant police authorities.‌The letter was issued to offer clarity over Harry and Meghan's royal status after requests for guidance and has been sent to those in government, the military and lord lieutenants up and down the country.However, the Sussex camp say that the letter took them by surprise, when it emerged on Monday afternoon. The couple's spokesman said in a statement issued to the media that the Sussexes were a "little surprised" by the move and had not been warned in advance - something Palace sources have hit back at.‌A spokesman for the Duke and Duchess said: "We were a little surprised not to have been told about this in advance," adding that the publication of the letter had caught the couple off guard.It's understood that Harry and Meghan are worried that the timing of the letter may be linked to a meeting related to their security arrangements. However, palace sources insist that Harry and Meghan received the letter sent at the King's request before it was released publicly, but were not consulted on its contents. They added that the letter was unrelated to security or any meeting with Ravec.‌A royal source said: "Timing is everything. Harry and Meghan have only been in the country a matter of days but this important line has been drawn early, leaving no one in any doubt where his feelings lie on the matter."Undoubtedly there will be clashes in the future with the Sussexes, no one expects them to give the royal households the courtesy of their plans, and even less so now. But the King could not be clearer. You may have come back to the UK, but you are on your own."In the run up to the Sussexes' return to Britain, the King was said to be glad to be able to spend more time with the family, but remained adamant they would not be working royals and there was no half-in, half-out option.‌And the letter issued today on behalf of the King sets out: "Following the decision by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to relocate to the UK, we have received a number of requests for guidance. To help avoid doubt or confusion, the King has directed that the following information be shared."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.‌"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.Content cannot be displayed without consent"It follows that there is no change to the current status of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Their styles as His and Her Royal Highness remain in abeyance and are not used.Article continues below"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."