Prince Harry has been seen in the United Kingdom for the first time since returning with Meghan Markle and their children, as King Charles III moves to clarify exactly where the couple stand within the Royal Family.
Harry and Meghan returned to Britain in late August after spending around six years living in the United States. Their return had sparked speculation about whether moving back to the UK could eventually lead to a renewed role for the Sussexes within the monarchy.
But a letter issued on behalf of King Charles has now made clear that their move back does not change their official status.
The letter, sent by the Lord Chamberlain to senior government and military officials, reiterated that Harry and Meghan are no longer working members of the Royal Family. Their His and Her Royal Highness styles remain in abeyance and are not to be used in an official capacity.
The palace also clarified that any charitable work carried out by the couple is undertaken privately rather than as part of official royal duties. Their position is effectively that of private citizens with commercial and charitable interests.
The unusual step of circulating the guidance was taken to avoid confusion among government departments, military organizations and other official bodies now that Harry and Meghan are living in Britain again.
Harry remains fifth in line to the throne, while his children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, remain sixth and seventh in the line of succession. Their return to Britain, however, does not restore their former working-royal roles.
Security remains a separate issue. Decisions about public protection for the Sussexes are handled through the relevant government and police authorities rather than automatically restored because of their return.
The clarification comes as Harry begins appearing publicly in the UK again, marking a new chapter for the Sussex family while making clear that their return home does not mean a return to official royal duties.