Harry and Meghan want 'public figures' label after note calling them 'private citizens' ignited spat
Harry and Meghan want 'public figures' label after note calling them 'private citizens' ignited spat
Svar Nanan-Sen Wed, September 9, 2026 at 8:56 AM UTC
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle | Source: GETTY
Prince Harry and Meghan have pushed back against Buckingham Palace's characterisation of them as "private citizens," insisting instead on being recognised as "public figures" with formal ties to the Royal Family.
Their objections followed a guidance letter issued on Monday on behalf of the King, confirming that the couple would not resume duties as working royals.
The letter, penned by Lord Chamberlain Lord Benyon on the King's instruction, was addressed to officials nationwide.
It described the Sussexes' status as "akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests," stating they ought not to be afforded royal treatment.
Palace officials emphasised that the guidance aligned with the couple's own previously expressed desire to live as "private citizens while in the UK."
The document also referenced the 2020 Sandringham Summit agreement, which laid the groundwork for Harry and Meghan's departure from frontline royal duties and their subsequent relocation to the United States.
The Duke of Sussex took particular exception to the "private citizens" framing.
A source told The Telegraph: "The duke is understood to have taken particular issue with the notion that the couple were to be treated as private citizens. If that were the case, it was claimed, such formal guidance would not be required."
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle | Source: GETTY
Buckingham Palace declined to offer further comment, saying the letter spoke for itself.
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A spokesman for the couple said: "We were a little surprised not to have been told about this in advance. The publication of the letter had caught the couple off guard."
The episode marks the first open point of tension between the Palace and the Sussexes since their return to Britain with their two children last month, and arrived on the same day as a pivotal meeting that could determine the family's taxpayer-funded police protection.
The Palace said the correspondence had been prompted by "a number of requests for guidance" about the couple's public standing following their relocation back to the UK.
In its terms, the letter describes Harry and Meghan's charitable work as being carried out in an entirely private capacity. "In short, their position is akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests," the document states.
The Sussex camp is understood to be concerned that the timing of the letter may be linked to a crucial session of the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec), the Home Office body responsible for deciding royal security arrangements, which could convene as early as today.
Harry has for several weeks been lobbying both the Home Secretary and Ravec's chairman for answers regarding his family's protection status.
A threat assessment produced by the Risk Management Board (RMB), which feeds recommendations into Ravec, was finalised in July but its conclusions have yet to be shared with the Duke.
Tuesday's meeting was expected either to deliver a definitive ruling on whether the family qualifies for state-funded police protection, or to order a fresh RMB review taking into account the Sussexes' full-time residence in Britain.
A Palace source categorically rejected any link between the letter and the security question, stressing that protection matters fall within the Government's domain.
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