Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may be back in the UK with their children, but their return does not change their position within the royal family.

King Charles has made it clear that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will continue living in Britain as private citizens rather than returning as working royals.

The clarification came on September 7, 2026, in a letter from the Lord Chamberlain to government departments, military officials, Lord Lieutenancies and the Sussexes’ team. The guidance was issued after officials received questions about the couple’s status following their move back to the UK.

The letter confirmed that Harry and Meghan remain outside the working Royal Family, a position established when they stepped down from their official duties in January 2020.

It also stated that there has been “no change to the current status” of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Their His and Her Royal Highness styles remain in abeyance and are not used.

The couple’s charitable work will also continue to be treated as a private matter rather than official royal activity. Their position has been described as similar to that of private citizens with their own commercial and charitable interests.

Harry and Meghan’s royal status remains unchanged

Harry and Meghan returned to the UK on August 26, 2026, after spending around six years living in California.

Their return came as their children, Archie and Lilibet, began attending school in Britain. The family has reportedly settled into a private home outside London rather than moving into a royal residence.

Despite being physically closer to the monarchy, the Sussexes have not resumed their former roles.

The arrangement goes back to the January 2020 Sandringham Summit, when the late Queen Elizabeth II and senior members of the Royal Family discussed Harry and Meghan’s future after they decided to step away from royal duties.

The agreement ruled out a return to a “half-in, half-out” arrangement, allowing the couple to pursue financial independence while making clear that they would no longer carry out official duties on behalf of the monarch.

Since then, Harry and Meghan have built separate careers and charitable projects in the United States.

Their office will also continue operating independently from the Royal Household. Any questions involving official courtesies or public funding for the couple are to be directed to Buckingham Palace.

Security remains a separate issue

Harry and Meghan’s security arrangements have remained one of the most sensitive parts of their relationship with the UK.

After stepping down as working royals, Harry lost the same level of automatic protection he previously received as a senior member of the Royal Family. He has since challenged decisions surrounding his security arrangements in the UK.

The King’s latest guidance does not change that system. Operational security matters involving Harry and his family remain under the responsibility of the Royal and VIP Executive Committee, known as RAVEC, along with the relevant police authorities.

The Home Office has described the UK’s protective security system as “rigorous and proportionate,” while details of the Sussexes’ current arrangements have not been made public.

Harry and Meghan can still have public lives

Being private citizens does not mean Harry and Meghan will disappear from public life.

Harry is expected to continue his annual work connected to the WellChild awards and his involvement with the Invictus Games. The next Invictus Games are scheduled to take place in Birmingham in July 2027.

Meghan is also expected to continue her own professional and charitable projects. Reports have linked her to a possible acting role in Guy Ritchie’s Netflix series The Gentlemen, while she is also looking to reconnect with charitable causes she previously supported.

However, any appearances or visits by the Sussexes in the UK will remain private engagements rather than official royal duties.

That distinction means their activities should not be treated as representing King Charles or the wider Royal Family.

For now, Harry and Meghan’s return to Britain appears to mark a new chapter for their family without changing the royal status they agreed to when they stepped away in 2020.

With Archie and Lilibet now in school in the UK and Harry and Meghan continuing their own projects, the Sussexes are building their lives on British soil while remaining outside the working Royal Family.