Prince Harry and Meghan Markle would prefer to be recognized as 'public figures' rather than 'private citizens,' according to sources close to the couple. This stance emerges amid a series of claims made following the release of a letter of 'guidance' from Buckingham Palace on behalf of King Charles.
The palace's letter, released Monday, confirmed that the couple would not be returning to the UK as working members of the Royal Family. The guidance stated that their position was "akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests" and in keeping with the 2020 Sandringham Summit agreement, which led to their move to the U.S.
However, sources close to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have suggested that they dispute the 'private citizen' label. They reportedly believe that if they were merely private citizens, such formal guidance would not be necessary. Instead, the Sussexes are understood to prefer the term 'public figures' and would have welcomed an acknowledgment of their continued status as members of the Royal Family, even without public funding.
Team Sussex also reportedly raised concerns about the timing and content of the palace's communication. They claim to have received the contents of the letter only an hour before its public release and had insufficient time to clarify points. Harry was reportedly unavailable for comment due to a prior engagement at Tower Bridge Studios.
Sources close to the Sussexes have suggested the letter's release may have been strategically timed to influence a security body meeting regarding Harry's taxpayer-funded security. However, other reports indicate the letter was sent to provide clarity ahead of the couple's busy schedule and could potentially facilitate private meetings between the King and his son.
Buckingham Palace has declined to comment, stating the released letter is sufficient. Insiders suggest the Sussexes' insistence on maintaining public royal links alongside commercial activities highlights the unsustainability of a 'half-in, half-out' model.
