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British Royals

King Charles III of the United Kingdom Clarifies the Obvious: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex Are Still Not Working Royals

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  • Portraits courtesy of Buckingham Palace/Mr. Misan Harriman
  • Portraits courtesy of Buckingham Palace/Mr. Misan Harriman

In London, His Majesty King Charles III of the United Kingdom has confirmed what the 2020 Sandringham Agreement already established: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain private citizens and will not carry out official engagements on behalf of the Crown. 

The clarification, issued in a letter on the King’s behalf by the Lord Chamberlain, was circulated to government departments, military officials, Lord Lieutenants and the Duke’s representatives.

“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,” the letter states. That position, it adds, “will continue to be fully respected,” including the couple’s “personal latitude” over finances and privacy. In short: no half-in, half-out.

The guidance sets out three practical points for officials and organisations:

  1. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex do not represent the Royal Family when attending events. Any engagements are undertaken in a private capacity.
  2. Their charitable work is a personal matter. Questions about reception arrangements, particularly where public funds may be involved, should be directed to Buckingham Palace.
  3. Operational security matters remain a police issue, to be handled through the relevant authorities and the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC).

The letter also confirms that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will not use the style His/Her Royal Highness in connection with activities in the United Kingdom. Buckingham Palace said the decision to publish the guidance reflected a desire for transparency rather than allowing its contents to emerge through leaks.

What remains unknown is whether representatives of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will issue a response, or whether further guidance will be provided on how their private engagements should be treated by local authorities and host organisations. 

After six years, King Charles and Buckingham Palace’s reminder is uncomplicated: the Sandringham Agreement still stands, and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex return as private citizens, not working royals.

Obviously.