King Charles reportedly dubbed Prince Harry and Meghan Markle “private citizens” in a letter to clarify their status, according to reports published Friday. The move aims to prevent public confusion about the couple’s current royal standing.
Key Facts
- King Charles sent a letter stating Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are “private citizens.”
- The letter clarifies they are not working royals.
- Harry and Markle reportedly took issue with the “private citizens” label.
- They believe they are “public figures” and a private life is not realistic.
- The timing of the letter allegedly frustrated the couple.
- They believe it may influence a committee discussing police protection for their children.
- Prince Archie is 7 years old and Princess Lilibet is 5 years old.
- The family returned to the UK on Aug. 26.
King Charles’s Letter Regarding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Status
King Charles reportedly dubbed Prince Harry and Meghan Markle as “private citizens” in a letter intended to show the public that the couple “can’t be one foot in and one foot out.” A source told Us Weekly that the letter was written to clarify they are not working royals.
The King wanted to avoid public confusion, according to the source. The letter clarified that Harry, 41, and Markle, 45, would not resume their roles as senior members of the royal family upon their return to the UK.
The source claimed that an agreement made when they left their working royal status stipulated that public-facing activities and patronages would require palace approval. This was to ensure they were not confused as official working royals, with the source adding, “With them moving back to the UK, it’s been confusing.”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Reaction to Being Labeled ‘Private Citizens’
However, Harry and Markle allegedly took particular issue with being labeled as “private citizens.” A source close to the couple told People that they are “public figures” and that the idea they can live a normal, private life is not realistic.
Other insiders suggested that if the pair were considered private individuals, the Lord Chamberlain would not have needed to issue a formal letter of guidance. The primary source reports that the couple believes they are public figures, and that living a private life is not realistic.
Timing of King Charles’s Letter and Security Concerns
The couple reportedly expressed frustration with the “deliberate” timing of the letter. They believe it was an effort to influence the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures. This committee was preparing to discuss whether Harry, Markle, and their two children should receive police protection.
The children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are 7 and 5 years old, respectively. Palace sources have rejected the claim that the letter’s timing was intended to influence the committee’s decision.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Recent Activities in the UK
The family of four landed in the UK on Aug. 26, one week after it was confirmed they were moving back to England for an extended period. Harry made his first public appearance in London at Tower Bridge Studios.
Meghan Markle was seen having tea with another mother at Soho Farmhouse, a members-only retreat in the Cotswolds, on a recent Friday. The couple had previously been house hunting in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did King Charles’s letter say about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s status?
King Charles’s letter stated that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are considered “private citizens” and not working royals to avoid public confusion.
How did Prince Harry and Meghan Markle react to being called private citizens?
Harry and Markle reportedly took issue with the “private citizens” label, with sources close to them stating they are “public figures” and a truly private life is unrealistic.
Why was the timing of King Charles’s letter concerning to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle?
The couple was reportedly frustrated by the letter’s timing, believing it was an attempt to influence a committee discussing police protection for their children, Prince Archie (7) and Princess Lilibet (5).
What have Prince Harry and Meghan Markle been doing since returning to the UK?
Since returning on Aug. 26, Prince Harry appeared publicly in London, while Meghan Markle was seen at a retreat in the Cotswolds.
