You have to admire a master sword stroke when it’s delivered, and this week King Charles casually and without fanfare put Prince Harry slap bang in his place. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrived in the UK last month by private jet and outwardly with no major expectations regarding any post-Megxit royal duties.
But back in Blighty Harry must have hoped to negotiate with King Charles and his staff for a unique role where he was free to explore commercial deals in the US – but steer clear of money-making when in the UK and maybe perform working light royal duties to help out instead. It would have been the fulfilment of his ultimate half-in-half-out dream that was kyboshed by the late Queen Elizabeth II, the result of that snub helping to spark Megxit in the first place.
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King Charles and Prince Harry before Megxit and his hurtful Spare memoir (Image: Getty)
But on Monday King Charles cooly made it clear to those who need know that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are still not working royals, regardless of their UK return.
In a letter of guidance to ‘senior stakeholders’ in the government, military and those who represent the Royal Family around the country, Charles said Harry and Meghan should not be treated as anything other than private individuals.
Royal officials have made clear it is in keeping with what became known as ‘The Sandringham Agreement’ – when the late Queen made her decision that Harry and Meghan could not have their cake and eat it – “which still stands”.
It also adds that Harry and Meghan’s formal “styles as ‘His and Her Royal Highness’ remain in abeyance and are not used.”
The letter reads: “Following the decision by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to relocate to the UK, we have received a number of requests for guidance. To help avoid doubt or confusion, the King has directed that the following information be shared.
“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.
“This position will continue to be fully respected. It follows that there is no change to the current status of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. In short, their position is akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests.”
Harry and Meghan before they moved back to the UK last month (Image: Getty)
You could argue that this is just making everything clear for everybody – general housekeeping, if you will.
But I cannot help but think this is a very careful way of saying: “If you think you can rock up in the UK, tear up the Sandringham Agreement and change the rules – you’ve got another thing coming.”
Also, there is no way about it – the letter is deeply embarrassing to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
It’s also a tad humiliating if – and we do not yet know what their commercial plans are in the UK – they are hoping to lean on their royal status to create fresh money-making media work.
It’s like hoping to use your Olympic record to win sports endorsement deals, only for an advert on TV to remind everyone that you came fourth in the final.
It’s a passive aggressive masterstroke. Harry and Meghan must be fuming.