Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have carried out three quasi-royal engagements in Nottingham, receiving a warm welcome from crowds who shouted “we love you” and “welcome back” amid hugs, selfies and flowers. The visit, six years after they quit as senior working royals, has been described as a direct challenge to the King and the Prince of Wales.
Rival royal court
One Palace courtier said: “It’s a direct challenge against the King and the Prince of Wales. They always threatened to start a rival royal court, and now they’ve finally gone through with it.” The King’s opening of the Welsh Parliament on Thursday, his first since becoming monarch, was entirely overshadowed by the couple’s Nottinghamshire visit.
During the engagements, the couple shook hands, listened to the problems charities were facing, iced cupcakes and packaged food parcels. Their conversation with well-wishers, ranging from the weather to which classes schoolchildren were missing, was described as small talk straight from the royal playbook.
Star power and press attention
At their first engagement in Nottingham, nearly 100 members of the international press were present, including reporters from the German newspaper Bild, Australian and American outlets, and YouTubers covering the royal family. The Palace tried to get ahead of the circus by reasserting their status as private citizens, but can do little to stop such outings.
Harry and Meghan appear to have achieved a half-in, half-out approach, playing as royals without the rules and restrictions that come with it. While they may not be working members of the Firm, they remain deeply woven into the fabric of the institution.
Other royal events
Separately, the Prince of Wales played cricket on The Mall with Brian Lara and Joe Root, an event held to highlight his Earthshot Prize awards night in Mumbai next month. Sarah Ferguson marked her 67th birthday away from public view, having lost patronages and her charity Sarah’s Trust following her friendship with the late Jeffrey Epstein.
This week, the King and Queen will welcome the Sultan of Oman for an official state visit at Windsor, featuring a carriage ride, a state banquet in St George’s Hall and a speech from the King. The following day, the King, Queen and Prince of Wales will visit Aberfan to mark 60 years since the disaster that claimed 144 lives, including 116 children.
