Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been criticised for staging a royal-style appearance in Nottingham, with observers questioning why the couple appear determined to enjoy the privileges of royalty without the responsibilities. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived to cheering crowds, accepted flowers and carried out engagements that closely resembled those undertaken by the working Royal Family, six years after stepping back from official duties.
Meghan, 45, wore a burgundy coat, coordinating skirt and pointed heels, which one commentator described as a subtle nod to her previous life as a working royal. However, the spectacle prompted questions about the couple's intentions, with one columnist asking: "what exactly are they trying to achieve?"
Return to Britain welcomed but questioned
The couple's return to Britain was welcomed, particularly as it includes their two young children. The Duke is the King's son, born and raised in Britain, and there is no reason why he and his wife should not build a happy family life on British soil, according to the commentary.
However, the visit to Nottingham, which hosted the couple's first joint royal engagement in 2017, was seen as less of a fresh start and more of an attempt to recreate the past. The carefully publicised series of appearances could almost have been lifted straight from the Palace's official diary, the article argued.
Palace position on royal status
Buckingham Palace has made its position clear, with a letter authorised by King Charles reminding relevant organisations that the Sussexes are private citizens who do not represent the monarchy during their charitable activities. This distinction matters because royal engagements are undertaken by individuals carrying out duties on behalf of the Sovereign.
The organisations visited in Nottingham, including the Community Recording Studio, Himmah Hub and Epic Partners, deserve recognition. However, the arrival with all the familiar hallmarks of a royal engagement shifts attention from the charities to the couple's complicated relationship with the monarchy, potentially fuelling confusion about their position.
Call for a more private approach
The article suggests that if Harry and Meghan want to settle back into British life, they should live as normally as their circumstances allow, support their chosen causes behind the scenes, and stop trying to occupy a space between celebrity and royalty. The commentary concludes that they cannot walk away from the responsibilities of royal life and then expect to enjoy all its public privileges whenever it suits them.
