Harry and Meghan express surprise over King's letter clarifying their non-working royal status

Unbiased summary

King Charles issued a letter on Monday clarifying that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle remain private citizens and non-working royals following their return to the UK. The letter, from royal aide Lord Benyon, reiterated that the couple do not use HRH styles and should direct security matters to police. A spokesperson for the Sussexes said they were 'a little surprised' not to have been told in advance. Reports indicate the couple prefer the term 'public figures' over 'private citizens', and that their team received about an hour's notice before the letter's release. The couple returned to the UK in August and have enrolled their children in local schools, but their status as non-working royals remains unchanged.

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Coverage by outlet

The Mirror centre-left

Angle Presents the Sussexes' perspective sympathetically, focusing on their surprise and their preferred terminology.

Bias Emphasises the couple's surprise and their desire to be called 'public figures', framing the King's letter as something that 'took them aback'. It highlights the short notice given to their team and downplays the Palace's rationale, instead giving voice to the Sussexes' briefing. The tone is neutral but leans toward the couple's viewpoint.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle 'want to be called public figures and not private citizens'

The Independent centre-left

Angle Reports the facts with a neutral tone, giving equal weight to the Palace's statement and the Sussexes' reaction.

Bias Provides a balanced account, including the letter's content and the couple's spokesperson's comment. Notes that royal sources said the couple were aware before publication, adding nuance. Does not editorialise or use emotionally charged language. Stays close to the objective facts without pushing a particular narrative, though it does include minor context about the 'half-in, half-out' option.

Harry and Meghan ‘surprised’ by King ruling out the couple returning as working royals

Daily Mail right

Angle Frames the Sussexes' reaction as unreasonable and the King's letter as a justified 'slap down'.

Bias Heavily critical of Harry and Meghan, using language like 'hit out', 'jaw-dropping briefing', and including an opinion column calling them 'self-awareness of a cabbage'. It emphasises the King's restraint and downplays the couple's grievances about notice. Omits any context about their security concerns or potential reasons for surprise. Strays far from neutral by editorialising heavily.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle would prefer to be 'public figures' NOT private citizens, sources reveal amid string of extraordinary claims

The King has slapped down Harry and Meghan... but this is the biggest revelation from his public letter. Finally, someone's put them in their place: SARAH VINE

The Sun right

Angle Presents the story as the couple contradicting the King, with a mocking tone about their 'public figures' preference.

Bias Uses terms like 'Megxit Means Megxit' and 'bone of contention' to frame the couple as difficult. Emphasises the logistical details of the notice but frames them as claims rather than facts. Includes past controversies like South Park mockery, which is irrelevant to the core story. The tone is adversarial and dismissive of the Sussexes' position.

Harry & Meghan want to be called ‘public figures’ NOT ‘private citizens’ after couple ‘surprised’ by King’s letter