Harry and Meghan surprised by letter confirming their royal status

Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, were reportedly surprised to learn that a letter authorised by King Charles had been sent to senior British officials reaffirming that they are no longer working members of the royal family.

The couple and their two children returned to Britain last month, six years after Harry and Meghan stepped away from royal duties and relocated to the United States.

Their return came as a surprise to some members of the royal family. King Charles was reportedly informed only days before the couple's plans became public.

The letter, sent on Monday with the king's authorisation, clarified that Harry and Meghan remain private citizens and that there had been no change to the arrangement established when they stepped back from royal duties in 2020.

According to the letter, their status was originally agreed with the late Queen Elizabeth and allowed the couple significant independence, particularly regarding their finances and personal privacy.

It also stated that the couple's charitable activities were conducted in their private capacity and were separate from official royal duties.

The letter described their position as being broadly comparable to that of private citizens with commercial and charitable interests.

A spokesperson for Harry and Meghan said the couple had been informed only shortly before the letter was distributed and were surprised by the circumstances surrounding it.

Harry's relationship with the royal family has remained strained since he and Meghan left Britain. In the years since, he has publicly criticised members of the monarchy, the British media and the government's approach to his security arrangements.

Harry has also argued that he should receive automatic police protection when visiting Britain, particularly because of concerns over the safety of his family.

A committee responsible for determining the level of publicly funded security provided to Harry is expected to meet this week. The decision will take place following the family's return to Britain.

Since moving to the US, Harry and Meghan have also developed a substantial commercial and media profile.

The couple signed several major commercial agreements, including a high-profile deal with Netflix, while Meghan launched her lifestyle brand, As Ever.

Despite their return to Britain, the latest clarification from the palace indicates that Harry and Meghan's position within the monarchy remains unchanged: they are private citizens rather than working members of the royal family.