Harry and Meghan locked out of royal duties

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will not be able to perform official duties now that they have returned to the United Kingdom, according to a letter released on behalf of King Charles.

The letter aims to clarify the situation of Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, who returned to the UK last month with their children, Archie and Lilibet, after living in California for six years.

They will still not be able to use the titles of “His Royal Highness” and will continue to be “private citizens,” according to the letter sent on behalf of the king by the Lord Chamberlain, the highest-ranking official in the Royal Household.

According to Palace sources, the King’s letter has been sent to Prince Harry’s team, government departments, military officers and lord lieutenants.

The letter makes it clear that any engagements the Duke and Duchess of Sussex undertake will be in a private capacity and that they will not be representing the royal family.

This comes ahead of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s likely public appearances this autumn, as they settle into the UK and support their charities.

The King’s message underlines that the position agreed in 2020 when the Duke and Duchess of Sussex left the United Kingdom – This ruled out any “half in, half out” status, so Harry and Meghan could not pursue their own business interests while still performing duties as working royals.