What experts say about King Charles' letter

King Charles authorised a letter to senior British officials on Monday confirming that his youngest son Harry and Harry's wife Meghan remain non-working ‌royals following their return to the UK.

The letter, which was shared with Harry's team and sent as guidance to senior officials in the government and military, said that after Harry and Meghan stepped down from official royal duties in 2020 they "are no ⁠longer working Members of The Royal Family".

Commenting on the letter, veteran royal journalist Chris Ship wrote on X, “So have Harry and Meghan been formally told by the King to get back in their box, or is this Lord. Chamberlain letter simply setting out what we already knew? Either way, it’s unusual to release a letter such as this in the public domain.”

Senior journalist Rebecca English said, “Officials insist there is nothing new in the letter's contents, which make clear ‘the continued position for the benefit of all parties'. However the fact that the palace has sent the letter out demonstrates the level of consternation Harry and Meghan's sudden return to the UK has caused, particularly after sources close to them repeatedly briefed to select media in recent weeks of their plans to undertake more charitable duties back in the UK.”

The letter added, "This position, distinct from the State and Royal duties undertaken by the working Royal Family, and with the personal latitude it brings the couple in respect of financial independence and protection of their privacy as they would wish, will continue to be fully respected," the letter added.

"It follows that there is no change to the current status of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. ... ‌The ⁠charitable work of the Duke and Duchess is a personal matter for them both and undertaken in their private capacity.

"In short, their position is akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests."

Meanwhile, the letter sparked reactions from supporters of Prince Harry and Prince William, with both sides claiming that it favors their favorite royal.

One of Harry’s supporters, wrote, “So, basically, the King has spelt out exactly what Harry and Meghan have been doing for the past six years. And at no point have either of them said they wanted to return as working royals. Now, hopefully, the toxic British media can finally fuck off and leave them alone!.”

Another one, who appeared to be William’s supporter, said “By making this public, the King has drawn a line in the sand and stopped Harry and Meghan from being able to lie to organisations and charities behind the scenes. “