Prince Harry and Meghan Markle 'feel they have a right' to carry out engagements that rival those of senior working royals, including William and Kate, despite facing criticism over their recent joint appearance.
The couple were slammed by one royal biographer for attempting to become "quasi-royals by stealth" after their first joint appearance last week since moving back to the UK. The visit to Nottingham drew criticism for its similarities to their previous royal engagements.
Sussexes' Independent Lives
A close friend of Harry's told Hello! that the pair feel "they have a right to" live "independent lives" including making public appearances for causes they care about.
The insider told the outlet: "They want to have their independent lives in the way they think they should, and they feel they have a right to, like anybody. I don't think they are going to do things in a different way just because they're back in the UK."
Private Citizens Role
The Nottingham visit came just over a month after a strongly worded letter written on behalf of the King made the role of Harry and Meghan clear, positioning them as "private citizens with commercial and charitable interests." The communication, which came as a shock to the couple, further stated that any work they undertake "is a personal matter for them both and undertaken in a private capacity."
The letter reiterated the decision of the late Queen Elizabeth that Harry and Meghan could not be 'half-in, half-out' royals.
Reception and Response
The friend continued to add that criticism about their engagements "doesn't trouble them."
"They never agreed that they wouldn't be half-in, half-out. That was what was decided and was foisted upon them," the friend said. "They're just living their lives, and they can do it because they're financially independent."
Following the Nottingham visit, a spokesperson for Harry and Meghan told People, "Everyone came away feeling really positive and genuinely thrilled by the love and support they received." At the time of the visit, Meghan told fans: "It's great to be back."
Although there has been a mixed reception following the visit, the Sussexes are thought to continue carrying out royal-like visits for causes they care about, competing with the likes of William and Kate, who have been standing strong as a unit since the return of his brother amid their feud. Prince William reportedly viewed the quasi-royal Nottingham expedition as "distasteful."
