Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly frustrated by the King’s decision regarding their status as private individuals, as they had hoped to be referred to as «public figures». On Monday, Buckingham Palace in the UK released an official memorandum clarifying that, upon their return to the UK, the couple should be treated strictly as private individuals rather than as working members of the Royal Family.
Details of the couple’s status
Royal aides noted that this clarification aligns with the couple’s previously stated desire to live as private citizens following the 2020 Sandringham Agreement, when Harry and Meghan officially stepped back from royal duties and moved to California.
However, MailOnline reports that the couple remains unhappy with the memorandum and would have preferred the King to label them «public figures».
The document states that the Sussexes’ position is «akin to that of private individuals with commercial and charitable interests». It also emphasizes that the couple’s charitable work is conducted in a personal capacity and is entirely separate from the activities of the Royal Family.
According to MailOnline, the Sussexes believe this wording fails to reflect their status as members of the Royal Family on a personal level. The outlet notes that they would like their royal membership to be recognized, despite no longer receiving public funding.
Reaction to the document’s release
MailOnline reports that the document caught the Sussexes off guard, and they were not given the opportunity to discuss its specific terms with the King. A spokesperson for the couple previously told the BBC that Harry and Meghan were «somewhat surprised» that they were not informed of the document in advance. Conversely, the BBC noted that royal sources claimed the couple was aware of the letter before it was made public.
The Sussexes returned to the UK on August 26, following reports earlier that month that their children, Archie and Lilibet, had been enrolled in British schools. Ahead of their return, it was reported that the King was pleased at the prospect of spending more time with his family, though he remained firm that Harry and Meghan would not perform royal duties and that a partial return to royal life was not an option.
The Buckingham Palace letter states that following the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s decision to move to the UK, many inquiries were received regarding their status. To avoid doubt or confusion, the King directed that a clarification be issued.
The document also notes that as of January 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex ceased to perform representative duties on behalf of the monarch and are no longer working members of the Royal Family. At the same time, their status as private individuals—which entails financial independence and the protection of their privacy, as they have requested—is to be fully maintained
Source: The Independent UK
