Prince Harry and Meghan Markle dislike the term 'working royals' and believe describing them as 'former royals' is 'lazy', according to a friend of the couple.
'Working members' of the Royal Family, such as King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William and Kate Middleton, attend official occasions and carry out engagements on behalf of the monarchy. Having stepped back from such duties, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex insist they are 'royals who are working' and apparently dislike the term that excludes them.
'He hates it, she hates it', a friend of the couple said.
Busy with Their Own Projects
The friend said Meghan finds the working royals title 'lazy' and insists the pair are very busy working on their own projects. Harry, 42, is focused on his UK-based charities, while Meghan, 45, continues to run her As Ever brand of food and homeware, with plans to sell the products in the UK.
They are also dedicated parents to their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
The pal told the Sunday Times that the Sussexes also disliked being referred to as 'former royals', a phrase they find 'misleading' given that Harry remains the King's son.
Christmas Plans and UK Visit
On their return to the UK in August, Buckingham Palace communicated the King's wish that the couple be treated as 'private citizens' with commercial and charitable interests.
According to another friend, the family will not be at the usual royal Christmas gathering in Sandringham and plan to spend the festive season with Meghan's mother in Montecito, California. They said it was unlikely the family would have been invited for the festivities, given tensions between Harry and his father – who has been in Balmoral in Scotland since the Duke's return. He is thought to have not spoken to his brother, the Prince of Wales, since 2022.
Harry and Meghan were reportedly delighted at their reception at their first public visit in Nottingham this week.
Reception and Future Plans
While one woman in a crowd shouted: 'We love you Duchess Meghan', others were quick to heckle the couple on Friday. The engagement bore all the hallmarks of an official royal event, but was carried out in a private capacity following the King's instructions to government stakeholders last month.
Such appearances will continue to be 'rare', sources say, with Meghan prioritising personal and family interests as well as pondering a possible return to acting. The Duchess is rumoured to be in negotiations for a role in the hit Netflix show The Gentlemen.
