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The guidance was circulated on the King's behalf by Lord Benyon, the Lord Chamberlain

The King has issued a formal letter of guidance confirming that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex retain their status as non-working members of the Royal Family, despite their relocation back to Britain.

Distributed to senior figures across government, the armed forces and Lord Lieutenancies, the correspondence makes clear that Harry and Meghan's HRH styles remain in abeyance and are not to be used.

Charles directed that the couple should be regarded as nothing other than private individuals, a position palace officials say is in "full accordance" with the Sussexes' own stated wishes.

The guidance was circulated on the King's behalf by Lord Benyon, the Lord Chamberlain, and has also been shared with Harry and Meghan themselves.

Officials stressed it remains consistent with the so-called Sandringham agreement, reached in January 2020, "which still stands."

The letter itself opens by acknowledging that numerous requests for clarity had been received following the couple's decision to move back to the UK.

"To help avoid doubt or confusion, the King has directed that the following information be shared," it states.

It references the well-known fact that Harry and Meghan stepped away from representative duties on behalf of the Sovereign in January 2020, ceasing to be working members of the Royal Family at that point.

The correspondence emphasises that this distinct position, separate from the state and royal obligations carried out by working royals, affords the couple personal latitude regarding financial independence and privacy, and "will continue to be fully respected."

Lord Benyon's letter then states explicitly: "It follows that there is no change to the current status of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.Their styles as His and Her Royal Highness remain in abeyance and are not used."

The letter describes the Sussexes' charitable endeavours as "a personal matter for them both and undertaken in their private capacity," characterising their overall position as "akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests."

On practical matters, Lord Benyon's guidance directs that any queries from official or state bodies regarding courtesies to be extended to the couple "and particularly where recourse to public funds may be required" should be referred to Buckingham Palace.

Operational security concerns are to continue being handled by the appropriate police authorities.

All correspondence and administrative enquiries concerning Harry and Meghan should be sent directly to their own office, which the letter confirms "will continue to operate separately from the Royal Household."

The guidance was signed off by "The Right Honourable The Lord Benyon GCVO."

Palace officials have insisted the letter contains nothing controversial or novel, describing it as simply a clarification of "the continued position for the benefit of all parties."

Nevertheless, the very necessity of issuing such formal guidance underscores the degree of confusion and consternation prompted by the Sussexes' unexpected return to Britain.

Some observers will interpret the correspondence as a deliberate attempt to define boundaries, coming after sources close to Harry and Meghan repeatedly briefed favoured media outlets in recent weeks about the couple's intentions to take on a greater charitable role back in the UK.

The broader question of how security arrangements for the Duke and Duchess will be structured remains unresolved.

A source stressed that this matter falls to the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures, known as Ravec, to determine.