Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are planning their public engagements to avoid upstaging King Charles and Prince William, according to sources cited by the Daily Mail. The couple has been "mindful" of not scheduling events that might conflict with the King's current Caribbean tour.
While the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are planning at least one more public appearance before the end of the year, their focus during the current half term is on spending time with their children, Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five.
Historically, the Royal Family adheres to a meticulously planned schedule known as "the grid" to space out public appearances and prevent overlapping commitments. Harry and Meghan, who have been living in the U.S. for six years, returned to the UK in August as private citizens and are unable to undertake engagements on behalf of the Royal Family.
Earlier this month, the couple participated in several charity events in Nottingham, including one at a community food project. Nottingham holds significance for the couple, marking their first royal walkabout together in 2017.
In a separate instance last week, an on-camera interview with Prince Harry was published on the same day that senior royals welcomed the Sultan of Oman for a state visit at Windsor Castle. A spokesperson for the Sussexes stated that the interview was filmed in September and its publication date was not decided by the couple.
A source close to the Sussexes told The Times that Harry does not intend to draw focus away from his father or brother's activities. "That's never his intention at all," the source said, adding that Harry does "take it into account" when planning his own activities, especially knowing about upcoming royal engagements like the King's attendance at CHOGM and the Prince and Princess of Wales's trip to India.
However, it is understood that the Sussexes are not always informed of the Royal Family's schedule, and declining to participate in the Nottingham events would have disappointed the charities involved.
Despite increased activity in the UK, including visits to London, the couple has not yet met with King Charles and remains estranged from Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales.
Reports have also suggested that the Sussexes are making their own Christmas plans, as they believe they are not invited to Sandringham. A friend indicated that spending Christmas with the Royal Family would be "too difficult and awkward."