The return of Harry and Meghan to the United Kingdom, along with Archie and Lilibet, once again brings up a question that seemed resolved. What is their current role within the Royal Family?
According to the information provided, King Charles III wanted to avoid any confusion and has sent guidelines to various British bodies to remind them that the Sandringham agreement has remained in effect since the Sussexes stepped down from their official duties in 2020.
The communication makes the situation quite clear. Harry and Meghan are no longer active members of the Royal Family, and their titles as Royal Highnesses remain suspended. This means that their return to the country does not entail resuming the roles they previously held, nor does it allow them to represent the Crown at official events.
Will Harry and Meghan have official privileges in the UK?
There’s also another important point. Their charitable and commercial activities will remain personal matters, while any issues related to courtesies or public funds must go through the King’s Secretariat.
As for private security, responsibility will remain with the relevant law enforcement authorities.
So, at least according to these guidelines, Harry and Meghan’s return is physical, but not institutional. And I think that difference is the key to everything. Charles seems to want to clearly define the boundaries before new interpretations of the Sussexes’ role emerge.
In this context, the question of whether the Sandringham agreement remains in effect has a fairly straightforward answer.