King Charles III has drawn a firm “line in the sand” with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle after sending a letter spelling out their royal standing.
The claim was made by British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex told People magazine they were “surprised” by the timing of a letter circulated by Buckingham Palace clarifying their non-working royal status.
“King Charles’ narrative is decisive as he draws a line in the sand â nothing new here, no more discussion required,” Chard told Fox News Digital. “I’m sure the Sussexes expected flexibility. Prince Harry may be the king’s son, but he lacks power to amend and dictate the monarch’s statement.”
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On Sept. 7, a senior palace official reiterated that Harry and Meghan are non-working royals, according to People magazine. The letter, which was issued on behalf of the king, was said to have been shared with the Sussexes. A spokesperson for the couple said they were “a little surprised not to have been told about this in advance,” the BBC reported.
Those close to the couple told People magazine they received the letter and, 20 minutes later, sent back some questions. However, they were told that the letter had already been circulated to the media.
The letter issued by the Lord Chamberlain, Richard Benyon, Lord Benyon, at the king’s direction, pointed out that the couple were “private citizens” and their His and Her Royal Highness styles remain in abeyance and are not used.
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Chard told Fox News Digital the guidance made one thing clear: they “do not represent .”
“There is no ambiguity about who is in and who is out,” she said. “The king is protecting the institution. The public has made it clear they do not want the monarchy to be undermined or damaged by confusion. The letter’s statement puts minds at rest.”
“In part, yes, the monarchy can only have one voice,” Chard shared. “Prince William and Princess Catherine are the future king and queen. They officially speak for the crown alongside King Charles and Queen Camilla. It’s constitutional, and the crown takes precedence.”
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams said there’s another, more silent message the king wants to convey.
“The letter states the palaces position, but its clearly intended as a put-down after the way the royals were blindsided by the Sussexes ,” he claimed.
“The Sussexes see themselves as public figures, not private citizens,” he said. “So, they are surprised, but are unlikely to alter their plans. The king was never going to debate anything with the Sussexes. The royals dont debate, although Queen Elizabeths recollections may vary is legendary.”
The couple relocated to Britain in August ahead of their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, starting school.
“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 Me

