PRINCE HARRY SPOTTED FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE RETURNING TO THE UK — AS KING CHARLES DELIVERS FIRM WARNING THAT HE AND MEGHAN ARE NOT WORKING ROYALS

Prince Harry has made his first public appearance since returning to Britain with Meghan Markle and their children — just as King Charles III formally reaffirmed that the couple remain outside the working Royal Family.

The Duke of Sussex was photographed smiling and dressed in a blazer outside Tower Bridge Studios in central London, marking the first sighting of him since the family’s much-anticipated return to the UK.

Harry was seen signing a wall at the studio, which is home to productions including Diary of a CEO and the BBC’s The Apprentice. The studio later shared two photographs on Instagram, describing it as an “absolute pleasure” to meet the prince.

The appearance came shortly after the King issued a strongly worded clarification about the Sussexes’ position within the monarchy.

King makes Sussexes’ position clear

In guidance issued on the King’s behalf, it was confirmed that Harry and Meghan are not working royals and that their charitable activities are conducted in a private capacity.

The letter stated that the Duke and Duchess stepped back from carrying out representative duties for the Sovereign in January 2020 and are “no longer working Members of The Royal Family”.

It added that this status, separate from the official duties carried out by working members of the Royal Family, would continue to be respected, including the couple’s desire for financial independence and privacy.

The guidance also made clear that there has been no change to Harry and Meghan’s current status.

Their styles as His and Her Royal Highness remain in abeyance and are not used.

“The charitable work of the Duke and Duchess is a personal matter for them both and undertaken in their private capacity,” the letter said, describing their position as “akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests.”

The clarification comes after reports that Harry and Meghan are beginning to establish a new life in Britain following their return with Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five.

Meghan prepares to reconnect with UK charities

Meghan, 45, is expected to resume work with charities in Britain, although she is initially understood to be keeping a relatively low profile.

One of the organisations linked to her plans is Smart Works, which supports unemployed and vulnerable women seeking employment.

Sources close to the Duchess have also indicated that she hopes to reconnect with people she previously knew in Britain while exploring ways to support new causes alongside organisations she has worked with in the past.

Meghan has not been seen publicly in the UK since Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral four years ago. Even after returning in July, she avoided the cameras.

For now, she is understood to be concentrating on settling Archie and Lilibet into their new home and schools, including preparing for the start of the school term.

The couple are also understood to be working out a new approach to media coverage of their future engagements and public appearances after withdrawing from the Royal Rota system in 2020.

Harry expected to resume public engagements

While Meghan focuses on family life and her charitable interests, Harry is expected to begin a series of public engagements following his return.

He is due to take part in charity work and is expected to appear at this month’s annual WellChild Awards.

His first public appearance since returning to Britain came at Tower Bridge Studios in London, where he was photographed outside the building and signing its decorated wall.

The sighting follows reports that the couple had been deliberately avoiding attention as they focused on getting their children settled.

A return to Britain, but not to royal duties

Harry and Meghan’s return marks a significant change in their circumstances after years living in the United States, but the King’s latest guidance makes clear that their move back to Britain does not represent a return to official royal life.

The couple left Britain and stepped down from royal duties in 2020. Since then, relations between the Sussexes and the wider Royal Family have remained strained.

Their renewed presence in the UK has therefore attracted considerable attention, particularly as they prepare to balance charitable activities, public appearances and family life while continuing to operate outside the working monarchy.

The King’s message leaves the distinction firmly in place: Harry and Meghan may carry out charitable and commercial activities, but they will continue to do so as private citizens rather than working members of the Royal Family.