However, royal sources have disputed that version of events.

Palace officials have reportedly insisted that Harry and Meghan had received the letter before it was made public, although they were not consulted about its contents.

The disagreement over whether the couple were adequately informed has therefore become a story in its own right.

It comes at an especially sensitive time, with the Sussexes attempting to establish their lives in Britain once again.

Their return has already raised questions

Harry and Meghan arrived at Birmingham Airport on August 26 with Archie and Lilibet, marking their first major return to the UK as a family since moving to the United States.

The couple are understood to have settled in the Cotswolds, while their children have reportedly started at a private school.

Their decision to return has attracted huge interest, particularly because of the difficult relationship between Harry and members of the Royal Family since his departure.

The couple’s return also comes as Harry continues to pursue questions about security arrangements for his family.

According to reports, Harry and Meghan remain concerned about police protection while living in Britain, particularly because of concerns surrounding their children’s safety.

The issue has become increasingly important now that the family is expected to spend more time in the UK.

Harry is also expected to support his charitable work, including the Invictus Games, which are due to be held in Birmingham next year.

However, any such appearances will be undertaken privately rather than as official engagements on behalf of King Charles.

Royal fans are furious

The King’s clarification has prompted a wave of reaction from people following the ongoing Sussex saga.

Some commenters have questioned whether Harry and Meghan can really be considered separate from the Royal Family when Harry remains the King’s son and Prince.

One social media user wrote: “This has got to be a joke they said they didn’t want to be working royals but they should be able to use the royal highness titles they’re in the royal family still?”

Another asked: “Aren’t they still in the Royal Family though? So they are royal highness no?”

A third commenter defended Harry more personally, writing: “This is ridiculous they’re still royals in my eyes. He is Diana’s son.”

Another simply described the decision as :“Insulting to them.”

But not everyone was sympathetic.

Some of the most highly liked comments beneath coverage of the story took aim at the Sussexes for expressing surprise over the Palace’s announcement.

One commenter wrote: “Now they know how it feels to get surprise information!”

Another sarcastically declared: “And so the circus begins yawn yawn – leave us all alone.”

A particularly blunt comment called for the couple’s remaining royal associations to be removed entirely, writing: “STRIP STRIP STRIP! They WILL BECOME A MASSIVE HEADACHE TO HRH THE KING.”

The split reaction highlights just how divisive Harry and Meghan’s relationship with the monarchy remains.

The Palace wants no confusion over royal engagements

There is also a practical reason behind Charles’s decision to clarify the situation.

When working royals visit a location, government departments, local officials and Lord Lieutenants can become involved in organising their engagements.

That can include questions about security, protocol, transport and, in some circumstances, public funding.

The King’s letter reportedly tells organisations that have questions about arrangements involving Harry and Meghan to contact Buckingham Palace.

The message is therefore designed to prevent the Sussexes’ return from creating confusion over whether they are appearing on behalf of the monarchy.

The Palace has effectively drawn a line between Harry and Meghan’s private lives and the official work carried out by members of the Royal Family.

Their charitable work remains their own.

Their public appearances remain their own.

And they cannot return to Britain and automatically resume the role they left behind in 2020.

A new chapter for Harry and Meghan?

The latest development leaves Harry and Meghan in an unusual position.

They are once again living in Britain, their children are reportedly attending school there, and Harry is expected to continue supporting causes close to him.

Yet the King’s letter makes clear that none of this represents a return to royal duties.

The couple remain outside the working monarchy.

Their HRH styles remain in abeyance.

And any charitable or public work they undertake will be done privately rather than as representatives of King Charles or the Royal Family.

For some supporters, the decision has been viewed as unnecessarily harsh, particularly given that Harry remains the King’s son and the brother of the future King William.

For others, the letter simply confirms an arrangement that has been in place for more than six years.

Either way, Harry and Meghan’s return to Britain has clearly not resulted in the royal reset that some may have expected.

Instead, within weeks of their arrival, King Charles has publicly reinforced exactly where they stand.

And with Harry and Meghan already expressing their surprise at the way the announcement was handled, the latest development suggests the Sussexes’ complicated relationship with the Royal Family is far from over.