Public interest in the relationship between King Charles III and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex remains high, particularly following Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision in 2020 to step back from their roles as senior working members of the Royal Family. However, claims that Meghan has been “waiting anxiously” for a formal invitation to return to royal duties have not been confirmed by Buckingham Palace or representatives for the Sussexes.
The Sussexes’ Departure From Royal Duties
In January 2020, Buckingham Palace issued a statement confirming that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle would step back as senior working royals. Following discussions with Queen Elizabeth II and senior members of the Royal Family, it was agreed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would no longer carry out official engagements on behalf of the monarch.
A subsequent Palace statement confirmed that the couple would not use their “HRH” titles in practice and would no longer receive public funding for royal duties. The arrangements were reviewed in 2021 and made permanent, with Buckingham Palace confirming that the Duke and Duchess would not return as working members of the Royal Family.
Since relocating to the United States, Prince Harry and Meghan have focused on private initiatives, including the launch of their nonprofit organization, Archewell. According to official filings and public announcements, Archewell supports programs related to mental health, community support, and responsible technology.
King Charles III’s Public Position
King Charles III has not publicly commented on speculation about a possible return of the Sussexes to royal duties. As constitutional monarch, the King’s public statements typically focus on official engagements, charitable work, and matters of national importance.
Buckingham Palace has consistently declined to engage in commentary based on unnamed “royal insiders.” In matters involving family relationships, the Palace traditionally avoids detailed public discussion.
What has been confirmed is that Prince Harry attended the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022 and was present at King Charles III’s coronation in May 2023. Meghan remained in California during the coronation, according to official reporting by the BBC and other major news organizations.
These events demonstrate that while the Sussexes are no longer working royals, family interactions continue during significant national occasions.
The Role of Archie and Lilibet
Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet are the children of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Following the accession of King Charles III in 2022, Buckingham Palace updated its official website to reflect their titles as Prince and Princess, in accordance with rules established by King George V’s 1917 Letters Patent.
This administrative update confirmed their place within the line of succession but did not indicate any change to the Sussexes’ working status within the monarchy.
King Charles has spoken publicly about his love for his grandchildren. In his first address as monarch in September 2022, he expressed affection for Prince Harry and Meghan as they “continue to build their lives overseas.” This remains one of the clearest official acknowledgments of the family relationship since the transition.
Public Appearances and Family Events
Despite stepping back from official roles, Prince Harry has returned to the United Kingdom on several occasions, including for the funerals of Prince Philip in 2021 and Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, as well as for his father’s coronation.
These appearances suggest continued personal ties, though they do not signal a restoration of official working status.
Meghan Markle has remained primarily based in California, where the couple resides with their children. Their professional activities have included media production projects and public speaking engagements, as reported by verified entertainment and business publications.
The Constitutional Structure of the Monarchy
The British monarchy operates under constitutional guidelines that define the roles of working members of the Royal Family. Senior working royals typically undertake official engagements, represent the monarch domestically and internationally, and support charitable patronages.
When Prince Harry and Meghan stepped back from these responsibilities, Buckingham Palace confirmed that they would pursue financial independence and no longer represent the Crown in an official capacity.
Any change to this arrangement would require formal agreement and public announcement. To date, no such announcement has been made.
Public Interest and Ongoing Attention
The relationship between the Sussexes and the Royal Family continues to generate global media coverage. Public interviews, including the couple’s 2021 televised conversation with Oprah Winfrey, as well as Prince Harry’s 2023 memoir Spare, have contributed to sustained public discussion.
However, official palace communications remain limited to confirmed events and verified decisions.
Royal historians often point out that family relationships within the monarchy have evolved over time, but official roles are determined by constitutional structure rather than media narratives.
Conclusion
While media speculation continues about potential reconciliation between King Charles III and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, there is currently no official confirmation of any formal invitation or plan for a return to royal duties.
The Sussexes remain members of the Royal Family by birth and marriage, and their children hold titles in accordance with established constitutional rules. However, their status as non-working royals has not changed since it was formalized in 2021.
As with many matters involving the monarchy, verified information comes only through official palace statements and confirmed public appearances. Until Buckingham Palace announces any changes, speculation about reconciliation remains unconfirmed.
Public fascination with the Sussexes’ relationship with the Royal Family continues, but the established facts reflect a clear constitutional arrangement: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle live independently in the United States and do not carry out official duties on behalf of the Crown.