Prince Harry has announced a series of engagements for the autumn, including a headline appearance at the Clinton Global Initiative event in New York. This schedule has prompted action from Buckingham Palace, with officials attempting to draw a clear line regarding the public roles of Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle.
Lord Chamberlain Lord Benyon, the King's most senior official, has reportedly sent a letter to Harry and Meghan defining the limitations of their roles as private citizens while in Britain. This move has been met with a strong reaction from the Sussexes, who dispute the notion that their fame allows for a truly private life separate from their royal connections.
One of Harry's upcoming UK events is the inaugural 'Invictus Spirit' Awards on September 17. This date presents a scheduling conflict, as Prince William and Kate Middleton are also scheduled for a royal engagement on the same day. King Charles III also has a significant public event planned, the details of which have not yet been revealed but are expected to be of global interest. Officials at Buckingham Palace reportedly hope the public will focus on the activities of working royals and are not coordinating diaries with the Sussexes.
Further engagements for Prince Harry include the launch of the Invictus education programme INSPIRE, and the WellChild Awards in London on September 21, a charity he has supported since his early days as a working royal. Each event is expected to be covered by a select group of journalists.
Following the King's letter, spokesmen for the Sussexes reportedly expressed surprise and engaged in a series of briefings, reportedly criticizing the Palace for rushing the announcement and hindering clarification. A source close to the couple was quoted in People magazine stating that the idea of a "normal, 'private' life is sadly not realistic" given their public profile.
