King Charles III confirms Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will not resume royal duties

<p>Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have returned to the UK, but Buckingham Palace has confirmed that they will not resume official royal duties. The palace reiterated that their status remains unchanged since they stepped back as working royals in 2020.</p><p>A letter sent on behalf of King Charles III stated, "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 emphasized that their current position allows for financial independence and privacy, which will continue to be respected.</p><p>The letter further clarified that a change in residence does not alter their royal status. "It follows that there is no change to the current status of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex," it added. Their titles as His and Her Royal Highness remain unused, and their charitable work is considered a personal matter.</p><p>The letter was sent by the Lord Chamberlain to senior officials in the government and military, as well as lord lieutenants, who are the king’s personal representatives across the country.</p><p>Prince Harry and Meghan Markle moved back to the UK in late August. Their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, have enrolled in British schools and will begin classes in September. The family plans to reside at a private, non-royal residence outside of London, although the exact location has not been disclosed.</p><p>Royal expert Hilary Fordwich noted that while Harry and Meghan are returning, they will not regain official royal roles. She stated, "Nor was there any agreement to a 'half-in, half-out' construct. They have been thwarted by trying to do what they agreed to with Queen Elizabeth II."</p><p>Former butler to King Charles III, Grant Harrold, suggested that Harry's desire to spend more time with his father may have influenced his decision to return, especially after feeling homesick. However, he cautioned that their return to Britain would place them under increased public scrutiny.</p><p><i>The Associated Press contributed to this report.</i></p>