Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were reportedly surprised by a letter from King Charles III reaffirming that they are no longer working members of the British royal family.

The letter, sent to senior government and military officials, made clear that the couple should be treated as private citizens and will not resume official royal duties.

Harry and Meghan’s spokesperson said they were informed only shortly before the letter was publicly released, leaving them little time to respond.

The clarification comes shortly after the couple returned to Britain with their children following several years living in the United States, the BBC has reported.

The letter also comes as officials prepare to reassess the couple’s security arrangements, adding another potential source of tension between the Sussexes and the royal household.