British media report that Prince Harry and Meghan were surprised when Buckingham Palace sent a letter from King Charles reaffirming their status as royals who do not carry out official duties.
International news agencies report that Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess, were "surprised" to receive short advance notice about an official letter sent to government and military agencies in the name of King Charles III, emphasizing their status as royals who do not perform official duties.
It is reported that Harry and Meghan, who returned to the UK from the United States two weeks ago, had insufficient time to clarify various details before the content was released to the media.
The letter serves as the first official public clarification of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's status since their return, issued by Richard Benyon, the Lord Chamberlain, the senior-most official at Buckingham Palace.
Details were released to the media at 15:06 on Monday. It is understood that the contents were sent to Harry and Meghan’s team about an hour earlier at 13:59. Their team responded at 14:19 asking whether the guidance had already been sent, hoping to inform the couple before the media and to clarify some points.
At that time, Prince Harry was in a meeting and could not be reached until 15:09. The couple’s team received confirmation at 15:11 that the document had been sent to the media.
The letter was disclosed ahead of a meeting of the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC), responsible for deciding on royal security measures, expected to take place this week.
Prince Harry is awaiting the results of a threat assessment by the Risk Executive Committee. RAVEC is expected to decide whether the Sussex family is entitled to taxpayer-funded security support after their return to the UK.
The Home Office declined to comment on the decision and is unlikely to disclose the meeting's outcome.
Lord Benyon's letter reiterates the couple's "current" status as non-working royals who cannot use the titles "His/Her Royal Highness" (HRH).
Additionally, the 2020 Sandringham agreement, which set terms for Harry and Meghan stepping back as senior royals, remains in effect to prevent a "semi-official, semi-commercial" status. They will no longer receive public funds and must be fully financially independent.
Harry and Meghan’s charitable activities will be considered private endeavors conducted in a personal capacity. "In summary, their status resembles that of private citizens with business and charitable interests."
The letter also states that if official bodies or government agencies have questions about protocol for the couple, "especially where public funds may be involved," these should be referred directly to Buckingham Palace. It adds that security matters should continue to be handled by the relevant police authorities as before.
Prince Harry and Meghan’s children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are expected to begin schooling in the UK near their countryside residence.
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Source:The Guardian