Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reportedly dislike the phrase “working members of the royal family,” a stance that has drawn sharp criticism from an Express columnist and from locals in Nottingham during their recent visit. The couple's purported view, as reported by the Times, is that the term is a “lazy” definition of royal duty, a position that has been met with derision.
Criticism Over Royal Duty
Express reporter Adam Toms expressed frustration at the couple's attitude, arguing that they abandoned their royal duties in 2020 and are in no position to lecture the Crown on duty. Toms noted that King Charles made it clear shortly after Harry and Meghan returned to the UK that they were still “private citizens” and not working members of the royal family.
The columnist described this pre-emptive clarification as the right move, especially after the Sussexes spent Thursday in Nottingham, seemingly acting as if they were the monarch and his wife, while the actual King and Queen were opening the Senedd in Wales.
Nottingham Visit Backlash
During their visit to Nottingham, fewer than 200 people were spotted waiting for the couple, and locals reportedly described them as “nauseating” and told them to “p*** off.” It was also reported that charity staff instructed the crowd to cheer.
Toms called the couple's actions “pathetic” and suggested that if they want to be proper royals, they should ask to become working royals again. However, he suspects their pride will prevent them from doing so, and instead they will continue to insult King Charles and the Late Queen Elizabeth II’s memory by trying to carve out a “half-in, half-out” role.
Call for a Decision
The columnist expressed bafflement at Harry's actions, given his apparent love for his grandmother, and wondered if he considers that she would likely be disappointed and disturbed by his behavior. Toms concluded that Harry will never be King and will remain on the sidelines as an irritating, insignificant thorn in the monarchy’s side, urging him to either ask to rejoin the royal family or live a truly private life.
