Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's return to the UK has been formally addressed by King Charles, clarifying exactly how the couple will fit back into royal life following their 2021 departure from senior royal duties.
Background on their return
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have reportedly already returned to Britain with their children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, with reports indicating the children have been enrolled in a UK school. King Charles was informed of the family's plans on 16 August. The move has drawn mixed reactions, with some questioning the decision given Harry had previously indicated he wouldn't return, and reported ongoing tension with both his father and brother, Prince William.
Their clarified roles
According to a letter sent on behalf of King Charles and reported by the BBC, Harry and Meghan will not be permitted to use their HRH titles and will be regarded as private citizens with their own commercial and charitable interests. The letter reaffirms the terms of the earlier Sandringham Agreement, which ruled out any "half-in and half-out" status for the couple following their 2020 departure.
The letter states: "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."
Trump's reaction
Donald Trump has been vocal about the couple's move since news broke, telling reporters he wouldn't have welcomed them back if the decision had been his. He criticised Meghan specifically, saying he felt she had been disrespectful toward the late Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles. White House deputy chief of staff's wife, Katie Miller, also commented publicly, suggesting the couple's return was driven by their dislike of Trump.
