How King Charles's Letter on Harry and Meghan Laid Tensions Bare

On the face of it there was nothing new in Buckingham Palace's letter about Harry and Meghan that was shared yesterday. A reiteration that the Sussexes are not working royals is hardly revelatory. And the fact that they are not to use their HRH titles was all sorted out a long time ago. It was simply making clear something that was determined in 2020 when the Sussexes left royal life. Yet, there is of course much more to be said about this letter, which was sent at the King's direction by the Lord Chamberlain (the most senior royal household official) to stakeholders including government and military. Firstly, there is the fact that it was written at all, given it was supposedly only going over old information. Then there is the fact it was sent directly to Harry and Meghan (apparently shared with them around an hour before being sent to media). And finally there is the way that it was made public in full. Maybe it would have leaked straight away anyway, but we need never know. "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," the letter began. While not directly from King Charles, there can be no doubt that this represents his views. And, whatever is said about more positive personal relations between the King and his youngest son, it also gives much insight into where tensions still lie. Straight off, the letter felt pointed. A "shot across the bows" was how one BBC piece described it. Veteran royal correspondent Jennie Bond questioned whether it was a "slap-down." In choosing to reiterate that the Sussexes should be seen as private citizens not representing the monarchy, Buckingham Palace made it clear that there remains no wriggle room to be half in and half out. This was something the Sussexes originally wanted and there have been suggestions that they still want. But perhaps the most intriguing paragraph is the part that said, "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." It indicates that the Palace will be watching not just the Sussexes but also organizations that engage with them. And it suggests that they would hope to have oversight over anything that could teeter into the territory of a working royal. Obviously one of the reasons it's useful for the Palace to remind everyone that the Sussexes are not working royals is because, let's face it, once they start to go out and about and do charity work it is probably going to look a lot like working royals. The scope for confusion about what they represent is huge. They are still part of the royal family, and as such what they do and say will still impact the monarchy. The situation is extremely tricky for the working royals—who, let's remember, do represent the country, not just themselves. Harry and Meghan's decision to potentially go about public appearances in what some have described as a "rival court" may be seen by some as an antagonistic move. But in many ways, the challenges over their departure exposes the vulnerabilities of the system of monarchy. Harry and Meghan remain supremely relevant despite stepping back, and in fairness there is not a lot they can do about that. They can act like celebrities, but they are famous because they are royals. This tension has exploded into the spotlight with Harry and Meghan's return. The letter, and the Sussexes response that they are surprised, highlights just how much friction there still is between the Sussexes and the monarchy. All before either Harry or Meghan has even made a single public appearance. You Might Also Like