King says Duke and Duchess of Sussex will remain private citizens after UK return

The King has said the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are to remain private citizens and will not be working royals following their return to the UK.

Charles instructed the Lord Chamberlain to contact government departments and the military following requests for guidance after the return of the couple last month.

The couple stepped down as working royals in 2020 for personal and financial reasons but returned to the UK on 26 August, with rumours rife as to the reason behind the unexpected development.

In a letter to "relevant senior stakeholders across Government, the military and Lord Lieutenancies" the King set out the Sussexes' official status after their return from the US.

The letter states: "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.

"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.

"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."

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(c) Sky News 2026: King says Duke and Duchess of Sussex will remain private citizens after UK return