The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been accused by a royal expert of making “a lazy attempt at nostalgia” during their recent visit to Nottingham.
On Thursday, the couple — who are not working royals — stepped out together in Nottingham to visit various charities. The visit was their first joint official public outing in Britain since relocating to the UK in the summer.
Reason for Choosing Nottingham
It is believed they chose to visit Nottingham because they feel strongly about the charities they support there. It is also the place where they made their first royal visit in 2017 after announcing their engagement.
This has led one royal expert to believe the couple’s visit on Thursday was simply an attempt at nostalgia, and didn’t have the same atmosphere as it did back in 2017 for the couple. This is despite the fact that this time around they were still met with cheers, hugs and handshakes.
Royal Expert's Criticism
Speaking on the Royals Uncensored podcast this week, The Mirror’s royal editor Russell Myers said: “I think it's a lazy attempt at nostalgia. Trying to get people back to the scene where you had a great reception after the engagement, there was such goodwill for them at the time.
“It wasn’t sort of the crowds and the atmosphere (now) than back in 2017. They (Harry and Meghan) are kind of in this no-man's-land at the moment.”
Plans for Future Visits
While this could be the case, it seems that Harry and Meghan are determined to do more visits like this in the future. It is important to note these visits are done by them as private citizens, and that they don’t represent the Royal Family.
Speaking about the potential for more engagements like this, a friend of Harry and Meghan’s told Daily Mail’s Editor at Large Alison Boshoff: “They are making efforts to re-enter slowly with humility and hope to win support that way.
“There is no intention to thumb a nose at the King or cause irritation. This sort of work is what makes Harry happy, it is in his DNA. It is nothing to do with relations with the Royal Family.
“They can achieve great support for charities and intend to do so. There will be more days like [Thursday] going forward.”
The friend said: “People want the old Harry, the Harry who they loved. This was a successful event with no narrative other than supporting the organisations.
“For security reasons it had the shape of a royal event but that is because, ultimately, that is who they are.”
Harry and Meghan seemed delighted by the warm reception they received from the crowds in Nottingham on Thursday. Speaking after the visit, a spokesperson for the couple told PEOPLE: “Everyone came away feeling really positive and genuinely thrilled by the love and support they received.”
Meghan also shared photographs from the day on her Instagram story, showing just how happy she was to be out and about in Nottingham again.
