Harry & Meghan Reportedly 'Surprised' by Charles Banning Them from Using HRH Titles Amid William's ‘Brutal' Treatment'

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's unexpected return to the UK has been met with lukewarm reception, especially from the royal family. At the time of writing, no senior working royals have welcomed the couple with open arms. In fact, they've done quite the opposite. On Monday, September 7, the Lord Chamberlain—the most senior official of the royal household—sent a letter on King Charles' behalf to senior government officials about Harry and Meghan's return. In the letter, officials were reassured that they will remain non-working royals, stating that Meghan and Harry are 'private citizens' and not allowed to use the 'His and Her Royal Highness' titles. '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,' the letter read, per the BBC. '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 continued, '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.' Related: Anne Reportedly 'Appalled' Harry & William Are Still 'Fighting' Instead of 'Treasuring Every Moment' with Dying Charles According to the BBC, royal sources said the letter was sent to Meghan and Harry ahead of time. However, a spokesperson for the Sussexes denied this report and claimed the two 'were a little surprised not to have been told about this in advance.' Royal insider Rob Shuter reported that Meghan and Harry 'received the message shortly before the rest of the world,' saying, 'There was no negotiation. They were informed. That was the moment they realized they had underestimated William's power.' Shuter alleged that Prince William was the driving force behind the letter. 'William had had enough of the confusion,' a royal source told Naughty But Nice . 'Lord Lieutenancies were asking how Harry and Meghan should be treated. William's answer was brutally simple: nothing has changed. They are out.' The insider added, 'William has won, for now. Harry and Meghan are back in Britain — but they're not back in the royal family.'