# The reign of King Charles III of the United Kingdom **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [September 8, 2022, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reign-of-king-charles-iii-of-the-united-kingdom/971232 "2022-09-08T18:05:14Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 111
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2026, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reign-of-king-charles-iii-of-the-united-kingdom/971232/2204 "2026-08-20T16:42:13Z")
You mentioned that they might “opt for making public appearances.” That seems to assume that he has decided they are safe if he opted that. ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2026, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reign-of-king-charles-iii-of-the-united-kingdom/971232/2205 "2026-08-20T16:42:46Z")
I simply meant that it might be an option available to him. I don’t know, and since he’s not making that choice, I don’t think it matters. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2026, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reign-of-king-charles-iii-of-the-united-kingdom/971232/2206 "2026-08-20T16:45:27Z")
Well, we don’t know what their plans are if they’re returning to the UK, such as whether they intend to resume public appearances. (Also it will be interesting to see what happens when Harry and his brother are in the same room; I think there is still quite a lot of animosity there.) ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2026, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reign-of-king-charles-iii-of-the-united-kingdom/971232/2207 "2026-08-20T16:50:51Z")
From the cited Guardian article: > The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are planning to return to live in Britain, six years after leaving for the US, it is understood. > > The couple and their two children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, are expected to relocate later in August to a non-royal residence. > > The property is believed to be outside London, and the children are enrolled to start school in September, the Daily Telegraph and the Sun have reported. > King Charles was reportedly informed on Sunday that his son and daughter-in-law would return to Britain. > It comes after the Sussexes, who have lived in California since 2020, had [a reunion with the king last month](https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/jul/10/king-charles-prince-harry-children-highgrove) at Highgrove in Gloucestershire. > > The king is said to welcome the opportunity to see more of his family in a personal capacity but there will be no change in their status as private individuals after relinquishing their official working roles within the royal family. > > The couple will not be offered a “half-in half-out” option, it is understood, with that having been firmly rejected by the late Queen Elizabeth II at the so-called Sandringham summit in 2020, which thrashed out the terms of their departure from the UK and resulted in them officially stepping down as senior royals and no longer using their HRH titles. It all seems pretty clear to me. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2026, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reign-of-king-charles-iii-of-the-united-kingdom/971232/2208 "2026-08-20T17:12:02Z")
> [@Aspenglow](#): > > It all seems pretty clear to me. Agreed. “Making public appearances in England” doesn’t necessarily mean “resuming royal duties” – they may well be considering making public appearances in their current role, as private citizens. And if that’s the case, I am skeptical that the British government will foot the bill for their security to any significant degree. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2026, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reign-of-king-charles-iii-of-the-united-kingdom/971232/2209 "2026-08-20T20:58:35Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > > [@chappachula](#): > > > > One reason mignt be that Buckingham palace has a long running problem with mice infestations. > > Yep, also old plumbing and electrical, poor heating and huge security issues, not to mention the millions of tourists and continuing renovation work. > > [https://www.cnn.com/2026/07/01/travel/buckingham-palace-royals-scli-intl](https://www.cnn.com/2026/07/01/travel/buckingham-palace-royals-scli-intl) Heh. I provided that very CNN link ten posts earlier. > [@Aspenglow](#): > > …Since much of the ugly hubbub was due to bigotry over Meghan being of mixed race, _not_ going back into The Franchise… Nitpick: “The Firm.” ---
**Author:** ![DesertDog](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/desertdog/32/11503_2.png) [@DesertDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DesertDog)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2026, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reign-of-king-charles-iii-of-the-united-kingdom/971232/2210 "2026-08-20T21:14:02Z")
> [@kenobi\_65](#): > > they may well be considering making public appearances in their current role, as private citizens. “By Grabthar’s hammer … what a savings.” ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2026, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reign-of-king-charles-iii-of-the-united-kingdom/971232/2211 "2026-08-20T22:21:53Z")
If they were still royals and accepted public appearances, would they have to turn over or at least share their fees with The Firm? In any case, as NON-royals, they would certainly keep 100% of any speaking/attendance/ribbon-cutting/etc. fees. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2026, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reign-of-king-charles-iii-of-the-united-kingdom/971232/2212 "2026-08-20T23:20:30Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > If they were still royals and accepted public appearances, would they have to turn over or at least share their fees with The Firm? AFAICT, the royal family does not charge fees, nor accept honorariums, for public appearances. Making such appearances is part of their job. ---
**Author:** ![Zakalwe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zakalwe/32/270_2.png) [@Zakalwe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zakalwe)\ **Post date:** [August 20, 2026, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reign-of-king-charles-iii-of-the-united-kingdom/971232/2213 "2026-08-20T23:25:12Z")
A BBC story today pointed out that Harry was coming up to renew his visa to stay in the US and that, apparently, there are significant tax implications to him staying longer. I’m not a tax lawyer and they were coy about details, so that’s all I’ve got, but the implication was that might have weighed in on the decision… ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2026, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reign-of-king-charles-iii-of-the-united-kingdom/971232/2214 "2026-08-21T00:24:34Z")
> [@kenobi\_65](#): > > AFAICT, the royal family does not charge fees, nor accept honorariums, for public appearances. Making such appearances is part of their job. Then it’s definitely more financially savvy to head back to the UK, where they are getting lots of media attention and they can pocket any fees. > [@Zakalwe](#): > > A BBC story today pointed out that Harry was coming up to renew his visa to stay in the US and that, apparently, there are significant tax implications to him staying longer. Maybe Harry is worried about being sent to an ICE detention jail. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2026, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reign-of-king-charles-iii-of-the-united-kingdom/971232/2215 "2026-08-21T00:26:20Z")
He shouldn’t be; he’s white. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2026, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reign-of-king-charles-iii-of-the-united-kingdom/971232/2216 "2026-08-21T00:26:26Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > Then it’s definitely more financially savvy to head back to the UK, where they are getting lots of media attention and they can pocket any fees. What fees? ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2026, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reign-of-king-charles-iii-of-the-united-kingdom/971232/2217 "2026-08-21T00:46:18Z")
For speaking, public appearances, ribbon cuttings, opening schools, art galleries, maybe supermarkets, i.e., ~~lending~~ renting their celebrity sheen to people’s events. Did you think celebrities did that stuff for free? ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2026, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reign-of-king-charles-iii-of-the-united-kingdom/971232/2218 "2026-08-21T01:04:43Z")
My understanding is that members of “The Firm,” meaning the King, the Prince of Wales and other members of the family, make these appearances as a public service. _If_ Harry and Meghan came back to the UK and started to ask for money for the same sort of appearances, it’s going to be very controversial. Again, that’s _if_ they do so; we don’t know yet what they intend. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2026, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reign-of-king-charles-iii-of-the-united-kingdom/971232/2219 "2026-08-21T01:10:36Z")
Yeah, that is what I was trying to say. I know Harry and Megan charge for certain public speaking appearances here in the USA, but in the UK? ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Drake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ad7895/32.png) [@Dr.Drake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Drake)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2026, 1:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reign-of-king-charles-iii-of-the-united-kingdom/971232/2220 "2026-08-21T01:12:42Z")
> [@Zakalwe](#): > > A BBC story today pointed out that Harry was coming up to renew his visa to stay in the US and that, apparently, there are significant tax implications to him staying longer. Isn’t his wife an American citizen? She has to file taxes regardless of where she lives, and if they’re being honest with the IRS, probably pays quite a lot. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2026, 1:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reign-of-king-charles-iii-of-the-united-kingdom/971232/2221 "2026-08-21T01:22:16Z")
> [@Dr.Drake](#): > > Isn’t his wife an American citizen? Yes, and they were Legal residents. This is a rather complex tax situation, however. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2026, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reign-of-king-charles-iii-of-the-united-kingdom/971232/2222 "2026-08-21T01:32:12Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > Harry and Meghan came back to the UK and started to ask for money for the same sort of appearances, it’s going to be very controversial. Since they’re not Royals any more, do the old rules apply? They probably wouldn’t blatantly demand fees, but if word got out discreetly… yeah, I’ll bet they’d take the money. As for controversy, in spite of disclaimers, they seem to thrive on controversy. Like everyone else here, I’m just speculating and making this up. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [August 21, 2026, 2:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reign-of-king-charles-iii-of-the-united-kingdom/971232/2223 "2026-08-21T02:08:22Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > My understanding is that members of “The Firm,” meaning the King, the Prince of Wales and other members of the family, make these appearances as a public service. _If_ Harry and Meghan came back to the UK and started to ask for money for the same sort of appearances, it’s going to be very controversial. More to the point, they do it as a royal **duty**. It’s one of the major reasons that the modern monarchy exists. They do hold substantial reserve powers but they’re rarely exercised – the symbolism is what’s most important in practical modern reality. For Harry and Meghan to start charging fees for public appearances in the UK would seem to me to be a major embarrassment for all concerned, including their sponsors. The message would be “we couldn’t get actual royalty, so we paid these clowns to show up instead”. Not a good look for anyone. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reign-of-king-charles-iii-of-the-united-kingdom/971232.md?page=110) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-reign-of-king-charles-iii-of-the-united-kingdom/971232.md?page=112)