Prince Harry, Meghan Markle Reportedly Prefer 'Public Figure' Label After King Charles' Surprising Letter

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly taken issue with being described as 'private citizens' in a letter issued by King Charles, with the Sussexes said to prefer the term 'public figures' instead. The reported disagreement comes just days after the British monarch's unprecedented letter reiterating Harry and Meghan's non-royal status.

The letter, issued by Lord Chamberlain Richard Benyon on the King's behalf, reaffirmed that Harry and Meghan remain outside the working Royal Family and that there has been no change to their status since they stepped down from royal duties in 2020.

The development has renewed speculation over whether the Sussexes' return to Britain could eventually lead to a closer relationship with the monarchy.

Why the 'Private Citizens' Label Is a Battle Over Status

According to a source familiar with the Palace guidance, Harry is understood to have been particularly unhappy with the description of the couple as private citizens. The Sussexes reportedly believe 'public figures' would be a more appropriate description, while also wanting recognition that they remain members of the Royal Family on a personal level.

The Duke is understood to have taken particular issue with the notion that the couple were to be treated as private citizens. According to reports, the couple's position is that if they were simply private citizens, such formal guidance would not have been required.

The Sussexes reportedly prefer the term 'public figures' and would have liked an acknowledgement that, on a personal level, they remained members of the Royal Family, despite no longer receiving public funding.

The reported disagreement is significant because the wording of the Palace guidance also sets out how official and security-related questions involving the couple should be handled, amid Harry's continuing dispute over his security arrangements when visiting Britain.

What King Charles' Letter Says About Harry and Meghan's Royal Status

The letter stated that Harry and Meghan are 'akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests'.

It also made clear that their charitable work is a personal matter and is carried out in a private capacity rather than on behalf of the Royal Family.

The correspondence reiterated that the couple stepped down from their royal duties in January 2020 and 'are no longer working Members of The Royal Family'. It further confirmed that their HRH styles remain in 'abeyance and are not used'.

The Palace position confirms that the couple's return has not led to any formal restoration of their former working-royal role. Reports have also suggested that the couple were surprised by the timing of the letter and had little opportunity to raise questions before the guidance was made public.

Why Harry and Meghan's UK Return Has Fuelled New Royal Speculation

Harry and Meghan's return to Britain has attracted particular attention because it comes despite the Duke's unresolved security dispute. Reports have suggested that the couple intend to spend an extended period in the UK, with their children, Archie and Lilibet, also expected to spend more time in Britain.

One theory surrounding Harry's return is that he could be involved in a television film about his late mother, Princess Diana, ahead of the 30th anniversary of her death in 2027. Royal commentator Richard Kay reported that Harry was in Britain partly to work on the project, while former royal chef Darren McGrady said he had seen a film crew at Althorp.

Prince Harry and his representatives have not publicly confirmed the project, and the presence of a film crew at Althorp does not establish a connection to the reported production.

Another theory reported in the British media suggests that Harry and Meghan could be seeking to rebuild their position in the UK before Prince William eventually eventually becomes King.

The Sussexes' relationship with the Prince of Wales remains strained, and reports have suggested that a future change in the monarchy could make a return to the UK more complicated for the couple.

For now, there is no confirmation that Harry and Meghan are seeking a formal return to royal duties. The latest Palace guidance instead reinforces their position outside the working monarchy, even as their extended presence in Britain continues to fuel questions about what comes next.