The Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain private citizens despite their return to the UK, the King has confirmed.
King Charles III has reiterated that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will not resume royal duties.
The statement comes after the couple’s return to the UK on August 26 prompted requests for official guidance from government departments and military bodies.
A letter from the Lord Chamberlain, Lord Benyon, clarified their status.
Lord Benyon’s office is responsible for the King’s ceremonial and public-facing events.
The letter said: "Following the decision by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to relocate to the UK, we have received a number of requests for guidance.
"To help avoid doubt or confusion, The King has directed that the following information be shared.
"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.
"This position, distinct from the State and Royal duties undertaken by the working Royal Family, and with the personal latitude it brings the couple in respect of financial independence and protection of their privacy as they would wish, will continue to be fully respected."
The letter confirmed there has been no change to their status, and they do not use their HRH styles.
It also stated that their charitable work is undertaken in a private capacity.
The King is understood to have instructed the Lord Chamberlain to issue the guidance to avoid confusion about their role, particularly following their return to the UK.
Prince Harry is expected to attend the annual WellChild awards, typically held in mid-September, while Meghan is reportedly considering a renewed focus on her UK charity work.
Their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are thought to be starting school in the UK, close to the family’s reported countryside residence.
The letter from Lord Benyon has also been sent to Lord Lieutenants, who represent the King in counties across the country.
It stated: "It follows that there is no change to the current status of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
"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."
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