Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have returned to British soil, but their roles within the royal family remain unchanged. Buckingham Palace has confirmed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will not resume official duties as working royals, a status they have held since stepping back in 2020.
“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,” a letter from King Charles III stated. “This position… will continue to be fully respected.”
The couple’s move back to the UK, along with their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, does not indicate any change in their royal status. Their titles as His and Her Royal Highness remain in abeyance, and their activities, both charitable and commercial, are carried out in a personal capacity.
A letter sent on behalf of King Charles III reaffirms this position, emphasizing that their return does not alter their non-working status. The correspondence was distributed to senior government officials, military leaders, and lord lieutenants across the UK.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s return to the UK might seem like a chance for a royal reset, but it only signals continuation of their current status. They plan to reside in a private residence outside of London, where their children will enroll in British schools.
Royal expert Hilary Fordwich noted that there is no opportunity for a “half-in, half-out” arrangement in royal duties. Despite the return, their roles remain independent of official royal responsibilities.
While the official royal duties remain off the table, personal motivations could play a part in their decision to return. Former royal butler Grant Harrold speculated that Harry’s desire to spend more time with his father might have influenced the family’s move back to the UK.
Nonetheless, their return places them under increased scrutiny from both the public and the royal family, with all actions closely observed.