Harry and Meghan ‘Surprised’ at King’s Letter Reiterating They Are Non-Working Royals

Duke and Duchess of Sussex were apparently given little notice before message was sent to the media.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were “surprised” at being given little notice of a formal letter sent to government departments and the military on behalf of King Charles reiterating their status as non-working royals.

Harry and Meghan, who returned to the UK from the US two weeks ago, had insufficient time to clarify any points before details were issued to the media, it is understood.

It was revealed to the media at 3.06pm on Monday. It is understood the contents were shared with Harry and Meghan’s team almost an hour before at 1.59pm, who sent a response back to Buckingham Palace at 2.19pm asking whether the guidance had already gone out, in the hope of letting the couple know before the media, and for the team to have the chance to clarify one or two points.

Harry was in a meeting and could not be contacted until 3.09pm. The Sussexes’ team received confirmation at 3.11pm it had already been sent to the media.

The letter says questions from official and state organisations about the courtesies extended to the couple, “and particularly where recourse to public funds may be required”, should be directed to Buckingham Palace, adding: “Any operational security issues should continue to be directed to the relevant police authorities.”

The couple’s children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are expected to be starting school in the UK near to the family’s reported countryside retreat.

- Author: Caroline Davies, The Guardian

Read more...