A recent directive from Buckingham Palace has underscored Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's status as private citizens, sparking a public response from the couple's team. The guidance, issued via the Lord Chamberlain to government and military officials, reiterated that the Sussexes are considered to have commercial and charitable interests rather than being active members of the Royal Family.
Following the release of the guidance letter, Harry's representatives expressed his dissatisfaction with being categorized solely as a private citizen. A source close to the Duke reportedly stated that formal guidance would not be necessary if they were to be treated as such. The Sussexes, according to their team, prefer the term "public figures" and wished for an acknowledgment of their continued personal connection to the Royal Family, despite no longer receiving public funding.
Sources close to the couple told People magazine that the idea of a "normal, private life" is unrealistic given their global recognition. Prince Harry, in particular, is reportedly pushing back against the notion of being a private citizen, a status he and Meghan stated they desired upon stepping back from royal duties in 2020. Friends of the Duke suggest he anticipated a reaction, viewing the current situation as a continuation of perceived past criticisms from the establishment.
This friction arises as the couple navigates their post-royal life. Prince Harry has announced upcoming public engagements for September, including the launch of the INSPIRE educational initiative and the Wellchild awards, where he serves as patron. He is also scheduled to attend the Clinton Global Initiative annual meeting in New York later in September.
Meanwhile, Meghan Markle is reportedly considering an invitation to the 40th-anniversary celebrations for "The Phantom of the Opera" in London, an event that would place her in proximity to figures like Lord Lloyd-Webber and King Charles. For the Duchess, a return to British showbusiness could align with her background as a former actress.
The couple's commercial ventures have faced challenges, with reports of diminished deals and a downgraded partnership with Netflix. Their attempts to establish a significant presence in Hollywood have also been described as less successful than anticipated. This context fuels speculation that a desire to rebuild bridges and regain relevance might be a motivating factor behind their current activities and public statements.
The response from Harry's side to the Palace's guidance included detailed timings of communications, indicating a claim that they were caught off guard and lacked sufficient opportunity to clarify points. This exchange has reportedly strained relations between the Palace and the Sussexes' communication teams.
The Palace's intention, according to sources, was to reaffirm the terms of the 2020 Sandringham summit. The guidance confirmed that their HRH titles remain "in abeyance" and that they are not to be considered working royals. Security matters were noted as being the responsibility of the Home Office, with provisions for contacting Buckingham Palace if public funds might be involved during their visits.
Observers note a potential contradiction in the couple's actions and stated desires. While they wish for privacy, their public engagements and the nature of their philanthropic activities are seen by some as closely mirroring the traditional royal playbook. The timing of their return to the UK and their children's enrollment in schools adds complexity to the established arrangement.
Despite the public disagreements, friends emphasize the couple's excitement for a "new chapter." They are reportedly house-hunting in the Cotswolds and prioritizing their children's school routines. However, recent public statements and private briefings suggest a continued effort to shape their public narrative and secure their position.
Plans for the Invictus Games are also a significant focus, with reports indicating a need for substantial corporate sponsorship. The withdrawal of Uganda from the Invictus Games was attributed by Ugandan military chief General Muhoozi Kainerugaba to "that Harry-Meghan nonsense," a move Harry reportedly linked to the Chamberlain's letter. Palace sources, however, countered that guidance would have been provided had they been approached.
Questions also persist regarding the funding and future of the Invictus Games, with a significant portion of the budget for the Birmingham event provided by the UK government. Meghan's potential role in Guy Ritchie's Netflix series "The Gentlemen" has been described as a "conversation" rather than a confirmed deal.
The Sussex family plans to return to California for a period in late October and again for Christmas. Prince Harry is reportedly anticipating a review by the Home Office that may alter his security status. Some close associates believe that the couple's relevance is tied to generating public attention, whether through positive or controversial means.