Prince Harry and Meghan were "surprised" by a letter from the Royal Household confirming their status as non-working royals.
The letter, issued on behalf of King Charles III by the Lord Chamberlain, clarified that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain "private citizens" and cannot use the titles "His and Her Royal Highness."
It also reiterated that the terms of the 2020 Sandringham Agreement still apply, ruling out any "half-in and half-out" royal role.
This means the couple cannot undertake commercial activities while representing the Royal Family in an official capacity.
A spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said: "They were a little surprised not to have been told about this in advance."
Despite this, royal sources claim the couple were made aware of the letter before it was made public.
What does the letter to Harry and Meghan detail?
The letter was circulated to Prince Harry's team, government departments, military officials, and Lord Lieutenants.
The clarification comes amid reports that the couple relocated from California to the UK with their children, Archie and Lilibet, last month.
A Home Office security committee is expected to meet today (Tuesday, September 8) to consider the possibility of taxpayer-funded security for the family now that they are based in the UK.
The letter says: "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."
It adds: "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.
“Any specific questions from official and State organisations about the courtesies which should be extended to the Duke and Duchess, and particularly where recourse to public funds may be required, should be directed to Buckingham Palace."
Do you agree with King Charles' decision to confirm Harry and Meghan's status as private citizens? Let us know in the comments.
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