A recent report in ‘The Times’ has shed light on the sentiments of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex regarding their royal status and future engagements. The couple reportedly holds a strong dislike for the term “working members of the royal family,” which has become a common description of royal family roles. This revelation comes amidst their efforts to redefine their position following their departure from royal duties two years ago.
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Sources speaking to ‘Hello!’ have indicated that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle never fully agreed to the framework established during the Sandringham Summit, which was convened to discuss their future roles. According to a friend of the couple, the decisions made at that meeting, including the rejection of a “half-in, half-out” approach to royal life, were imposed on them rather than mutually agreed. The friend contended that the couple remains unperturbed by their current status and embraces their financial independence.
The Sussexes made a public appearance recently in Nottingham, marking their first significant outing since relocating back to the UK earlier this year. Their choice of location holds personal significance for them, as it was where they conducted their first royal walkabout after announcing their engagement in 2017. This visit has prompted comparisons to their previous engagements as active members of the royal family, a label they appear to be distancing themselves from.
In January 2020, Harry and Meghan announced their decision to step back as senior members of the royal family, a move that has been the subject of extensive media scrutiny ever since. Following discussions facilitated by Queen Elizabeth II, it was concluded that the Sussexes could not simultaneously represent the monarchy while pursuing private commercial interests. However, the couple’s ally insists that they never accepted this outcome and continue to feel aligned with their royal identities, albeit outside of the institutional framework.
During a recent trip to Nottingham, the couple was met with warmth and enthusiasm from local well-wishers, an experience they found uplifting. Meghan, 45, and Harry, 42, expressed gratitude for the support, with the Duchess remarking on how good it felt to be back. Harry echoed those feelings, describing his return to Nottingham as “wonderful.”
In a broader context, King Charles III recently clarified the status of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in an official letter. He reaffirmed that they are “no longer working members of the Royal Family” and confirmed their charitable efforts should be seen as personal endeavours. This statement aims to categorise Harry and Meghan’s current activities as similar to those of private citizens rather than as representative of the royal institution. However, a source close to the couple has pushed back against this classification, asserting their status as public figures and indicating that leading a private life remains an unrealistic expectation for them.
There is also rising discontent among the couple regarding the label “former royals.” A friend expressed that this term can lead to misconceptions about their contributions and roles, and the couple wishes to clarify that while they engage in charitable activities, they do so as members of the royal family rather than under the auspices of the institution.
Looking ahead, reports suggest that Harry and Meghan will limit their joint appearances over the coming year. Prince Harry is expected to undertake more solo engagements, particularly those linked to the upcoming Invictus Games in Birmingham in 2027. Meanwhile, Meghan continues to develop her lifestyle brand and may consider a return to acting.
Despite the controversies surrounding their transition from royal duties, it appears that the couple is determined to carve out a new identity for themselves within the public sphere, while also nurturing their familial ties. The Nottingham visit is being seen as a successful step towards re-establishing their connection with the community and highlighting their ongoing engagement with important social causes.