Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to make their first joint appearance in an official royal-style visit to Nottingham tomorrow. Unlike most official royal visits, the couple have broadcast when and where they will be turning up, which is a tad incongruent with Harry's concerns about security.
Reality vs. fantasy
As ever, Harry and Meghan appear to be inhabiting an entirely different universe from the rest of us. In their fantasy world, the past six years never happened; they still have HRH status; they are very, very important indeed; and Britain is thrilled to have them back.
Nothing can burst their bubble. Not Harry's reccy trip in July, when he was flatly denied bed and board at Buckingham Palace, despite its 240 bedrooms. Not the Palace's frosty reminder that the Sussexes were “private citizens” and definitely not working royals after they pitched up in the Cotswolds and announced they were back. Not even the boos that greeted Harry at the rugby the other day.
A pattern of contradictions
Saying one thing and doing the opposite is the modus operandi of these two. Just look at Archie and Lilibet. Barely a week goes by without another gallery on social media. The back of their heads or their faces covered with an enormous heart emoji in the pics of them heading to school, or baking cupcakes or splashing about in a swimming pool.
What is the game plan here? Is there one, or have they fired everyone who could talk sense to them? Perhaps they've become so accustomed to hearing what they want that they've mistaken their own publicity for public opinion. Are they setting up a rival Firm? Is the plan to just keep acting like Royals until Buckingham Palace gives in?
A condition for return
If they want back in so badly, Charles should let them. On one condition. Match Princess Anne's record of 474 engagements in a year. Minimal publicity, no wardrobe budget, no fanfare. Let's see how much they love royal service then.
