Prince Harry & Meghan Markle ‘Surprised’ By King’s Letter As Prince George Attends 1st Day At Eton

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are “surprised” after King Charles sent out a letter confirming that they remain nonworking members of the royal family, which they have been since stepping back from royal duties in 2020, a spokesperson for the couple told NBC News on Tuesday. On Monday, Sept. 7, Buckingham Palace released a letter, issued by Lord Chamberlin on behalf of the King as “guidance,” which clarified that the Duke and Duchess’ status has not changed despite their move back to the UK with their children, Archie and Lilibet. “Their styles as His and Her Royal Highness remain in abeyance and are not used. The charitable work of the Duke and Duchess is a personal matter for them both and undertaken in their private capacity. In short, their position is akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests,” it read in part. The letter added that, “Any specific questions from official and State organisations about the courtesies which should be extended to the Duke and Duchess, and particularly where recourse to public funds may be required, should be directed to Buckingham Palace.” The following day, a spokesperson for the couple noted to NBC News that they were “surprised” by the letter and were not given opportunity to contribute to it. Meghan and Harry’s response comes on the same day that their eldest nephew, Prince George, started Eton College, a prestigious boarding school which both Harry and William previously attended. Prince George arrived to the campus with his father, Prince William, and mother, Kate Middleton.