A royal letter has framed the Duke and Duchess of Sussex as independent figures with their own business and philanthropic ventures, marking a shift in their official standing. The monarch’s correspondence, released publicly, underscores their transition from senior royals to private citizens while acknowledging their continued public roles. The phrasing highlights their dual identity—balancing commercial activities with charitable work—without clarifying the broader implications for their future engagements. The move follows years of debate over their place within the royal family and their evolving relationship with the institution.
The monarch called the Duke and Duchess of Sussex “private citizens with commercial and charitable interests" in a letter on Monday.