KING Charles’ letter stating Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will not return as working royals was a “clever and necessary move” to prevent a “creeping comeback”, a royal author has said.
Robert Jobson told The Sun that the Sussexes’ return to the UK had the potential to “create confusion” and “muddy the waters”, particularly when it comes to official events attended by other working royals.
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The author, who penned The Windsor Legacy: A Royal Dynasty of Secrets, Scandal and Survival, admitted he was taken aback by the couple’s reaction, which revealed the Duke and Duchess were “surprised” they had not been informed in advance.
The bombshell letter, sent on behalf of the King by the Lord Chamberlain, a top Palace official, said that the Harry and Meghan would not be considered working royals but private citizens.
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The letter issued ahead of their upcoming security meeting was intended to clarify the status of the Sussexes following their return to the UK from California alongside their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lillibet.
However, royal sources have claimed Harry and Meghan were aware of the letter before it was made public.
Robert said he was “surprised” to learn of the couple’s reaction, adding that it was “not really necessary for the King to consult them over this as long as it’s being transparent and clear by sending them a letter and telling them what his position is.”
He added: “I think it’s a necessary move because there was a sense that it was creeping towards a bit of a [Harry and Meghan] comeback.”
Harry and Megan cannot use their “His and Her Royal Highness” titles publicly, but they still retain them legally. They can use their peerage titles – The Duke and Duchess of Sussex – as well as Harry’s birth title, Prince Harry.
Sources said the letter was sent to Harry’s team, government departments, military officials and Lord Lieutenants.
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The message reiterated previous agreements made in 2020, when the couple first exited The Firm, which ruled out a “half-in and half-out” status so they could not pursue commercial endeavours while continuing as working royals.
Jobson warned that Harry and Meghan’s return to the UK could provide further problems for the Royal Family in the future with the potential that they could overshadow royal events, such as Princess Catherine’s Christmas carol service, or the royal Christmas.
“The narrative will turn to, what are Harry and Megan doing rather than the actual story itself,” he warned.
“I think it’s going to be difficult, I think it’s going to be complex because the narrative will seem to be directed towards Harry and Meghan rather than what the Royal Family are actually doing. It will create confusion for the courtiers to try and resolve.
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“While you’ve got such big media figures in the country, although they’re private citizens, they have the royal website, it’s going to muddy the waters. That’s the problem.”
However, Jobson said the letter would at least avoid “confusion” over Sussexes’ position should they visit Commonwealth realms such as Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
“Their position is clarified and there’s no confusion,” he added,
Although Harry and Meghan have been keeping a low profile thus far, it’s likely that they will begin making public appearances in support of their various charities.
A photograph of Prince Harry was shared on the social media account of Tower Bridge Studios in London yesterday.
Harry and his brother, Prince William are not believed to be on speaking terms following bombshell comments made by the Duke in his Netflix docuseries, Harry & Meghan, and in his memoir.
During Harry and Meghan’s visit to the UK in July, the couple met with the King and Queen Camilla.
However, Jobson believes there is still “obviously a lot of work” to be done to repair their relationship.
It comes ahead of a crucial meeting that will outline security measures offered to Harry and Megan, who are still pushing for 24/7 armed police protection amid concerns about their safety on the school run.