Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Reportedly Push Back After Palace Clarifies Their Status
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Reportedly Push Back After Palace Clarifies Their Status
Morning Honey Staff Sat, September 12, 2026 at 8:45 PM UTC
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The palace claimed that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are private citizens while in the UK. (Image source: MEGA)
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are back in the U.K. with their children after living in California for about six years. The couple renounced the royal titles and duties when they left the U.K. in January 2020. They cited intense media scrutiny and alleged racial discrimination against Markle as reasons for their departure.
Now that they are back, they have returned as non-working royals and won’t indulge in royal duties anytime soon. However, there has been confusion about their titles and the public appearances they may make in the future. As a result, the palace clarified they are private citizens, not working royals.
Letter From the Palace
To put an end to the rumors, the palace released a letter on King Charles’ instructions. The letter stated that they cannot use the HRH titles and have returned to Britain as private citizens, and should therefore be treated accordingly.
The letter further clarified that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s charity work is a personal matter. They contribute to these charities in their private capacities, which is not related to the palace.
The Sussexes do not represent the Crown in their choice of charities. The letter is in accordance with the Sandringham Summit agreement that confirmed Markle and Harry’s departure from the royal family.
The Queen noted at that time, “Harry and Meghan have made clear that they do not want to be reliant on public funds in their new lives. It has therefore been agreed that there will be a period of transition in which the Sussexes will spend time in Canada and the U.K.”
Following the agreement, Buckingham Palace said, “Following conversations with The Duke, The Queen has written confirming that in stepping away from the work of The Royal Family it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service.”
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The Sussexes’ Reaction to the Letter
The couple was reportedly unhappy with the letter because it was sent to them only an hour before it was released to the public. They did not have time or opportunity to clarify the contents of the letter, which was sent by the Lord Chamberlain on His Majesty’s instructions. A Sussex spokesman claimed the letter was sent to them at 1:59 p.m. and they responded at 2:19 p.m., seeking clarification. The letter had already been sent to the media around 3:11 p.m.
Markle and Harry reportedly want to be addressed as public figures rather than as private citizens. The letter suggested they cannot be in “half-in, half-out” royal roles. Harry argued that if they are private citizens, then the palace did not need to release a formal letter to clarify that. They don’t want to be treated as private citizens and want the palace to acknowledge they are members of the royal family, even though they do not receive any public funding.
Markle and Harry’s move to the U.K. is an attempt to be closer to the community Harry missed while living abroad. Moreover, they can give their children a chance to experience British life while being closer to family. There is also the potential to repair strained relationships between the couple and the rest of the royals.
It will require substantial effort from both sides for that to happen. After the release of the letter, the palace did not release a statement indicating that the letter was sufficient clarification.
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Source: “AOL Entertainment”
