BREAKING NEWS: Prince Harry’s hopes and dreams have been shattered with seven words
King says Meghan and Harry not working royals despite UK return
The bombshell Buckingham Palace statement exploded like a bull stampeding through a porcelain factory and left the Sussexes enraged. But if there is one role Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have perfected more than any other, it’s that of poor victims battling the might of the Royal Household, or ‘The Firm’.
On Monday a letter sent on behalf of King Charles, by the Lord Chamberlain, clarified to all that despite their UK return Prince Harry and Meghan remained non-working royals. The letter was sent to government departments, military officials and Lord Lieutenants – who are the monarch’s local representatives often involved in royal visits and engagements.
Prince Harry will be furious about the King’s statement on Monday (Image: Getty)
Basically, the letter is saying that if Harry and Meghan rock up on your patch, they are not representing the Royal Family so don’t roll out the red carpet.
It also stresses that Harry and Meghan should not be referred to as “His and Her Royal Highness” and just seven words in that statement go on to add: “Their position is akin to private citizens.”
Those last seven words will damage the Sussexes the most and they are clearly furious about the letter, with Team Sussex hitting back: “We were a little surprised not to have been told about this in advance”.
For clarity, Palace sources claim they shared the letter with the Sussexes’ office 67 minutes before it was released.
But those seven words about being basically “private citizens” could not have come at a worse time for Harry and Meghan.
Right now, they are continuing to argue their case for 24/7 taxpayer-funded Metropolitan Police armed protection, which is granted to working royals – but not “private citizens”.
It will make the Sussexes feel justified in thinking there is a conspiracy against them (Image: Getty)
The Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec), the Home Office body responsible for decisions on royal security, was reportedly due to meet as early as Tuesday this week to discuss arrangements for the Sussexes.
But the day before the King’s statement clearly ruled out any role for Harry and Meghan within the Royal Family in the lead-up to the crunch security meeting.
That will leave the Sussexes enraged and further fuel their feelings that there is some grand, royal conspiracy being set against them – and that the Royal Household are playing chess with their lives.
It might even make them rethink their whole decision to return to the UK for this extended period of time.
One thing is for sure, this tension will not de-escalate until it escalates further.
The King was bold and decisive in his statement but Harry and Meghan are not shy from fighting smoke with a Towering Inferno.
