Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, were “surprised” by a letter sent on behalf of King Charles III reiterating that they remain non-working members of the Royal Family following their return to the United Kingdom, news agency Reuters reported, citing a spokesperson for the couple.The Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved back to Britain with their children, Archie and Lilibet, last month, six years after stepping down from royal duties and moving to the United States.The letter, authorised by the King and sent by the Lord Chamberlain on Monday, was circulated to senior government and military officials as well as Lord Lieutenants, the monarch’s representatives around the country. It clarified that there had been no change to Harry and Meghan’s status since they stepped back from official royal duties in 2020. Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, greets a girl as he visits the Royal Children’s Hospital along with Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, in Melbourne, Australia, April 14, 2026. (REUTERS)Harry and Meghan ‘surprised’ by timing of letterA spokesperson for the couple said they were “a little surprised not to have been told about this in advance”. Royal sources, however, said Harry and Meghan had been made aware of the letter before it was released publicly.Also Read | ‘I’m happy… wasn’t a fan’: Trump on Prince Harry, wife Meghan Markle moving back to UKThe BBC reported that the couple are understood to have seen the letter about an hour before it was shared with the media. Their surprise was believed to be over the limited time they had been given to respond.The letter was sent “to help avoid doubt or confusion” over the couple’s position following their return to Britain, according to the Associated Press.What the letter says about Harry and Meghan’s royal statusThe letter repeats the arrangement agreed in 2020, when Harry and Meghan stepped down as working royals. Under the agreement, they do not carry out official duties for the monarch, and their charity and business work is done privately.Story continues below this ad“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,” the letter said, according to the BBC.It added that their position was “akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests”, Reuters reported.The couple will also continue to refrain from using the styles of “His Royal Highness” and “Her Royal Highness”. Any engagements undertaken by them will be in a private capacity rather than on behalf of the Royal Family.The clarification comes ahead of expected public appearances by the Sussexes as they settle in the UK and continue their charitable work. Harry is expected to remain involved with organisations including the Invictus Games, which are due to be held in Birmingham next year.Story continues below this ad Britain’s Prince Harry and Meghan, Duke and Duchess of Sussex attend the “Project Healthy Minds” World Mental Health Day Gala in New York City, US, October 9, 2025. (REUTERS)Sussexes’ security arrangements under considerationThe question of taxpayer-funded security for Harry and Meghan is also under consideration following their return to Britain.The Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC), which determines security arrangements for royals and other public figures, is expected to meet this week to consider the level of protection the Sussexes should receive now that they are resident in the UK.Also Read | Prince Harry loses privacy case against Daily Mail publisherHarry has previously challenged the withdrawal of automatic publicly funded police protection after he stepped back from royal duties.The letter said that “any operational security issues should continue to be directed to the relevant police authorities”.Story continues below this adA Home Office spokesperson told the BBC that the UK government’s protective security system was “rigorous and proportionate”, adding that it does not provide detailed information about individual security arrangements because doing so could compromise their effectiveness.(This article was curated by Aditi Anand, who is an intern with The Indian Express)