Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly furious over a "lazy" royal phrase used to describe them, according to reports. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex allegedly "hate" the label "working members of the Royal Family", which is traditionally used to distinguish those who carry out official duties for the Crown from those who do not.
Despite their exit as senior royals in 2020, the Sussexes take exception to the definition, insisting they are still part of the Firm and work extremely hard in their own right.
Friend speaks out
A friend of theirs told The Sunday Times: "'Working members of the Royal Family' is a really lazy phrase. He hates it, she hates it."
The source added: "They are not 'working' for the institution, but they are members of the Royal Family, and they work. Their days are built around their family life and their work. She's running a business seven days a week."
The couple, who recently stepped out for a joint public engagement in Nottingham, are also said to be deeply unhappy with the term "former royals", branding the label "misleading".
Palace stance
Harry and Meghan's pal said: "Things like Nottingham aren't done in the name of the institution or the crown, but Harry is the son of the King, he is still a member of the royal family, he's just not a member of the institution. It's misleading to call them 'former royals'. It has an impact on how they're perceived and the way people talk about them."
The latest news will likely not sit right within Palace walls. King Charles, who has not seen the couple since their return to the UK, recently issued a strict letter to Government departments, lord lieutenants, and military officials. His letter reiterated Harry and Meghan's status as non-working royals, declaring they must be treated merely as "private citizens with commercial and charitable interests".
