Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are "doing what they want, when they want, how they want" after returning to the UK as "public figures", according to a close friend. The Sussexes made their first joint engagement in Nottingham on Thursday, with sources suggesting more quasi-royal appearances will follow.
There has been confusion around the Duke and Duchess's plans two months after their return. However, the Nottingham visit proved their intentions in the UK.
Friend explains couple's approach
A friend of the couple said it marks a return to what they had always wanted to do, just without the royal status. The close friend told news.com.au: "There is no confusion - on their part - about why they're doing these sorts of engagements.
"It's very simple. They are doing what they want, when they want, how they want. They aren't taxpayer funded like others, so why shouldn't they live their lives the way choose?"
"Some people get very angry at the idea that they should dare continue to show up and support causes they have been associated with for years, like it is in some way a bad thing to bring a spotlight to a community recording studio or a food bank Nottingham. I don't get the outrage. They're fundamentally good people doing good work when they can for good causes."
Warm reception and defiance
The couple received a warm reception in the midlands city, a welcome change from the recent chilly response Harry encountered at a rugby match where he was booed by the crowd.
A friend of the couple suggested that while these engagements align with their interests, there is also a hint of defiance in such trips, following the King's letter affirming Harry and Meghan's status as "private individuals". Despite the Sussexes' previous claims of not reading comments or engaging with social media, the source candidly pointed out that the couple do have internet access and returned to the UK fully aware that they might face a frosty reception.
The insider stated: "They have the internet in California. In the same way they can read headlines in the US every day from their new home, they had access to the UK papers when they were living in Montecito. They knew what the temperature here was going to be."
More engagements expected
The successful Nottingham visit is likely to spur the pair on to undertake more royal-esque engagements across the UK, with Meghan telling crowds it's "great to be back". The visit echoed the style of engagements the pair conducted in Australia earlier in the year, with their friend noting they will "press on unapologetically" despite criticism surrounding this "half-in, half-out royal" approach.
