King Charles left little room for interpretation with his recent letter addressing Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s status. That is according to royal author Robert Jobson. In a Daily Mail column, Jobson argued the letter revealed exactly where the King stands, even if the message itself wasn’t new.
Author claims King Charles made his position clear in Harry and Meghan letter
Royal author says King Charles’ letter proves ‘Megxit means Megxit’. The letter was written by Lord Chamberlain Lord Benyon at the King’s direction. It went out to senior figures across government, the military, and the Lord Lieutenancies. The letter confirmed there’s been no change to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s status, reaffirming a position the late Queen had already settled years earlier. It described the Sussexes’ position as “akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests.”
Jobson argued that the real story isn’t the letter’s content, but what prompted it. He pointed to months of drip-fed reports about the Sussexes’ plans as private citizens, along with talk of potential charity roles and continued military ties. According to Jobson, the cumulative effect risked setting an unofficial precedent, essentially an alternative royal presence operating without formal approval.
Jobson wrote that Charles is asserting control in a way his mother rarely needed to. He said the King ruled the same way Queen Elizabeth II had directed: the monarchy cannot be commercialized, and there’s no such thing as being half in, half out. Moreover, Charles’ use of the word “abeyance” when talking about Harry and Meghan’s HRH styles also cements his stance. In short, Jobson wrote, “Megxit means Megxit.”
The royal author also addressed talk that Prince William played a role behind the scenes. William and Kate reportedly have bigger priorities right now. However, the letter is said to have gone out partly at William’s behest, even though it was issued entirely in the King’s name. Jobson noted William’s own position has remained unchanged since 2020.
Per Jobson, the Sussexes’ response, calling themselves “a little surprised” by the letter, was predictable. However, it was reportedly unlikely to spark further public back-and-forth. Still, he pointed out the letter’s limits. It carries no formal sanction, meaning its real impact may just be removing any future claim of confusion.
