The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are preparing to abandon the historic "Megxit" agreement with Buckingham Palace as they launch a defiant return to public life in the UK. Following a week of intense public fallout, a source close to the Sussexes has revealed that the couple no longer feel bound by the terms of the Sandringham Agreement struck with the late Queen in 2020.
Palace directive sparks backlash
The revelation comes after the Sussexes were left "surprised" by a letter sent by the Lord Chamberlain, Lord Benyon, on behalf of King Charles. The directive instructed Government officials, military leaders and Lord-Lieutenants to treat the couple strictly as "private citizens". Hitting back at the Palace's order, Harry and Meghan insisted they see themselves as "public figures".
Now, insiders close to the couple have blown the lid on why they are walking away from the six-year-old deal, which stripped them of their taxpayer-funded police protection. A source close to the Sussexes told The i Paper that they draw a clear distinction between respecting the late Queen's personal values and complying with palace rules, claiming that these are "shared familial values".
Source questions original agreement
Firing a shot at the Palace machine, the source declared: "He's still the King's son. There's no getting away from that. They are working royals, but they don't work for the institution any longer." The source also questioned the legacy of the original agreement, adding: "I'd be very keen to see what was codified at the time of the Sandringham Agreement. But it was at a time when the Duke and Duchess were still in receipt of public funds for security and there was financial support from his father."
The original Sandringham Agreement required the couple to uphold the Nolan Principles - committing them to avoid political controversy, align with UK Government foreign policy and separate commercial deals from royal status. However, the source close to the couple suggested Harry and Meghan now believe they have total freedom to speak out on controversial global issues and openly criticise world leaders, including US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Upcoming UK engagements and Meghan's return
Addressing the potential for major awkwardness between Montecito and Buckingham Palace, the source said: "Is he going to start criticising Donald Trump? I can't see that happening, but he can if he wants to. Harry has every right to, as you and I do."
Prince Harry is already lining up a series of high-profile appearances across Britain, including events for Save the Children, two Invictus Games engagements, and the annual WellChild Awards. Meanwhile, Meghan is settling the couple into their new home in the Cotswolds with children Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, while expanding her As Ever lifestyle brand.
However, the Duchess may also be eyeing a dramatic return to her former career. While a spokesman for the couple did not comment on speculation that she is in talks for a role in the third series of Guy Ritchie's Netflix crime drama The Gentlemen, a source close to her teased: "A return to acting is very much on the cards". The Express has contacted Buckingham Palace and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for comment.
