Harry and Meghan were "surprised" by a new letter from King Charles that clarified their status as non-working members of the Royal Family. The monarch instructed the Lord Chamberlain to contact government departments and the armed forces after requests for guidance made by the couple after their return to the UK last month.
The letter, prepared by the office of royal aide Lord Benyon, who is responsible for organizing the King's ceremonial and public events, makes clear that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex do not use the titles of His or Her Royal Highness and that any operational security matters involving them should be referred to the competent police authorities.
Sources close to the couple said the Sussexes had not requested the use of their Royal Highness titles. The timing of the letter was considered concerning, especially since the Home Office's Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures, known as RAVEC, is responsible for decisions regarding the couple's security.
