Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's return to public life in Nottingham last week was a calculated move to "sell their brand", according to royal author Robert Jobson.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited the city where they carried out their first official royal engagement as a newly engaged couple in 2017.
Claim of a 'pseudo royal' reboot
Mr Jobson described the visit as a "pseudo royal" reboot, arguing that it was a deliberate attempt to wipe the slate clean. He said people cannot undo years of betrayal.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Mr Jobson said: "Harry once said service is universal. The Nottingham visit was all about self-service. The Sussexes sell their brand. But you cannot monetise monarchy. The late Queen knew this and acted to stop it when they tried it the first time."
'You are still part of the family, but not The Firm'
He added: "She was clear. You are still part of the family, but not The Firm. She sent them and their ideas of some sort of royal Hokey Pokey packing. Once royalty is just celebrity, British taxpayers will start asking why they pay for the official version."
The couple made headlines by stepping out together in the city, revisiting the location of their first joint royal appearance.
