Jump to contentAllNewsSportCultureLifestylePrince Harry and Meghan Markle were reportedly disappointed and caught off guard by a Buckingham Palace memorandum issued by King Charles that defined them as private citizens. The couple would have preferred the King to describe them as public figures and wanted an acknowledgement that they remain members of the Royal Family on a personal level. Buckingham Palace issued the guidance following the couple's relocation back to the UK to enrol their children in British schools, clarifying that their philanthropic work is conducted purely in a personal capacity. A spokesperson for the Sussexes stated they were surprised not to have been informed about the directive in advance, although royal sources claimed the pair were made aware before its public release. King Charles reportedly welcomed spending more time with the family but remained adamant that the couple would not operate as working royals, maintaining there is no option to be half-in and half-out. In fullHarry and Meghan ‘caught off guard’ by King’s decision over their statusMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

In an unprecedented letter to senior royal representatives, government and military officials, Charles appeared to put the Sussexes firmly in their place.

King Charles has issued a letter to "senior stakeholders" today where he has made it clear that despite being back in the UK, Prince Harry and Meghan should be considered "private…