King Charles has made clear that Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, remain non-working members of the Royal Family following their return to Britain with their children last month.
A letter authorised by the King and sent on his behalf says the couple will continue to carry out charitable and other engagements solely in a private capacity rather than as representatives of the Royal Family.
The guidance also confirms that Harry and Meghan remain private citizens and cannot use their HRH titles.
The letter, sent by the Lord Chamberlain, was shared with Prince Harry's team as well as senior government and military officials and Lord Lieutenants, who can be involved in organising royal visits and engagements.
It reiterates the arrangements established after Harry and Meghan stepped down from representative duties in 2020 and moved to the United States.
Under those arrangements, the couple cannot combine commercial independence with the duties and status of working royals.
The letter states that there has been no change to the Sussexes' position despite their return to the UK.
It also says their charitable activities are personal matters conducted in their private capacity.
Organisations seeking guidance about how the couple should be received, particularly where public funds could be involved, have been told to contact Buckingham Palace.
The clarification comes as Harry and Meghan settle back in Britain after returning from California with their children, Archie and Lilibet, in late August.
The couple are expected to make public appearances and support charitable activities in the coming months, with Harry expected to continue backing causes including the Invictus Games, due to be held in Birmingham next year.
The letter makes clear that such appearances should not be treated as official royal engagements.
Questions surrounding the couple's security arrangements in Britain also remain unresolved.
The King's message says operational security matters should continue to be directed to the relevant police authorities.
Harry has previously complained that police protection available to him in Britain was inadequate, while the Palace maintains that decisions on security are handled by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee.