Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are back in the U.K. after six years, and the royal family has wasted no time clarifying exactly where they stand. Following their return to Britain, King Charles directed the issuance of new guidance to ensure there is no confusion regarding the couple’s royal status.
As reported by People, the couple remains the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, the official word from the top is that their styles as His and Her Royal Highness remain firmly in abeyance. This means they are not to be used, maintaining the exact arrangement that was established back in 2020.
The guidance was sent out by the Lord Chamberlain, Lord Benyon. It was distributed to various senior stakeholders, including those in the military, government, and Lord Lieutenancies, and it was also shared directly with the team representing the Duke of Sussex.
The letter refers to them as Duke and Duchess of Sussex
The move was prompted by a number of requests for clarity regarding how the couple should be addressed now that they are living in the country again. The letter is very clear about the distinction between the couple’s titles and their HRH styles. It states, “It follows that there is no change to the current status of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Their styles as His and Her Royal Highness remain in abeyance and are not used.”
The documentation repeatedly refers to them as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, which are the titles they have held since the late Queen Elizabeth bestowed them upon the couple on their wedding day. That said, this situation dates back to the Sandringham Summit in January 2020. At that time, the decision was made that Harry and Meghan would step back as working members of the royal family.
Buckingham Palace announced then that the couple would retain their HRH styles but would not use them. The palace statement at the time reportedly noted, “The Sussexes will not use their HRH titles as they are no longer working members of the Royal Family.” Six years later, the King is ensuring that this policy is still the standard, even with the couple establishing a new life in Britain.
The letter goes even further to define their current role. It notes that the couple stepped down from representative duties on behalf of the Sovereign and are no longer working members of the royal family. The document explains, “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.”
It concludes by framing their current life as being quite similar to that of private citizens who have their own charitable and commercial interests. It is worth noting that the couple’s children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, also hold royal titles. These became their birthright when King Charles ascended the throne in September 2022.
Published: Sep 8, 2026 05:30 am