Prince Harry and King Charles have remained in contact since Harry returned to the United Kingdom with Meghan Markle and their children, according to recent reports. The father and son reportedly spoke by phone during Harry’s first week back in Britain.
The reported contact comes as the Sussexes begin an extended stay in the U.K. after spending several years living in the United States. However, their return has not changed their official position within the Royal Family.
King Charles has now formally confirmed that Harry and Meghan remain non-working royals.
Prince Harry and King Charles Have Spoken Since Harry Returned
Harry and King Charles reportedly spoke by phone after the Duke of Sussex returned to Britain on August 26.
According to People, the conversation took place during Harry’s first week back in the U.K. The report contradicts speculation that the pair had not been in contact since Harry returned.
The reported phone call follows a private family reunion in July. Harry and his father had previously met at the King’s Highgrove estate, according to reports.
The latest contact does not necessarily mean that all tensions between Harry and the Royal Family have disappeared. Still, it shows that communication between the king and his younger son is continuing.
Harry and Meghan Have Returned to the U.K.
Harry and Meghan returned to Britain with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, in late August.
The family is expected to remain in the U.K. for an extended period. Their return comes more than six years after Harry and Meghan stepped back from their senior royal duties and moved to North America.
Their decision to spend more time in Britain has attracted considerable attention because of Harry’s complicated relationship with the Royal Family.
However, the couple’s move should not be confused with a return to royal duties.
King Charles Confirms Harry and Meghan Are Still Non-Working Royals
On September 7, King Charles authorised a formal communication to senior government and military officials.
The letter, issued by Lord Chamberlain Richard Benyon, confirmed that there had been no change to Harry and Meghan’s status. They remain outside the working Royal Family.
The guidance was released to avoid confusion about how the couple should be treated during their time in Britain.
It also confirmed that Harry and Meghan’s charitable activities are undertaken privately rather than as official royal duties.
Harry and Meghan Will Not Resume Royal Duties
The Sussexes stepped down from their official royal roles in 2020.
Their return to Britain does not reverse that decision.
The September guidance makes clear that Harry and Meghan will continue to live and work independently from the Royal Household. Their office also remains separate from the institution.
This means Harry can continue his charitable projects and other activities without representing King Charles or the British monarchy in an official capacity.
What About Harry and Meghan’s Royal Titles?
Harry and Meghan continue to hold their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles.
However, their HRH styles remain in abeyance and are not used.
The latest clarification does not introduce a new rule. Instead, it restates the arrangement that followed the couple’s decision to step away from royal duties in 2020. Reuters and the Associated Press both reported that the September letter reaffirmed their existing position.
The distinction is important because Harry and Meghan’s physical return to Britain does not mean they have returned to the working monarchy.
Harry Has Spoken About Wanting Reconciliation
Harry has previously expressed a desire to repair his relationship with his family.
That makes his reported contact with King Charles particularly significant for royal watchers. However, there is no official indication that the wider family tensions have been completely resolved.
Harry’s relationship with his father has been under public scrutiny for years. His decision to return to Britain with his family has therefore renewed questions about whether the move could create more opportunities for reconciliation.
For now, the evidence points to continued communication between Harry and Charles, rather than a formal royal reconciliation.
Harry and Meghan Remain Private Citizens
King Charles’ latest guidance also emphasises the couple’s independence.
Harry and Meghan continue to undertake their charitable and commercial activities separately from the Royal Household.
The letter described their position as similar to that of private citizens with commercial and charitable interests. The Associated Press reported that the guidance was intended to establish clear boundaries following the Sussexes’ return.
That distinction could become increasingly important as Harry and Meghan carry out public activities in Britain.
What Happens Next for Prince Harry?
For now, Harry appears to be balancing his family life in Britain with his independent charitable work.
He remains closely associated with the Invictus Games, the international sporting event he founded for wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans.
The next Invictus Games are scheduled to take place in Birmingham in July 2027.
Meanwhile, his relationship with King Charles will likely remain a major point of interest as the Sussexes settle into their extended U.K. stay.
The reported phone conversation is a sign that communication between father and son continues. However, it is too early to say whether that contact will lead to a broader reconciliation within the Royal Family.
For now, one thing is clear: Prince Harry and King Charles remain in contact, while Harry and Meghan’s official status as non-working royals remains unchanged.