The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are concluding an unofficial two-day visit to Jordan, a trip that has reignited intense debate about whether they should be permitted to conduct royal-style tours to bolster the monarchy's image. This journey marks six years since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped back from their official royal duties and relocated to the United States, yet their activities continue to draw global attention and scrutiny.
A Humanitarian Mission in Jordan
Invited by Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization, the couple embarked on this trip to gain insights into the relentless humanitarian efforts supporting displaced Syrians and Palestinians who have found refuge in Jordan over decades. Their itinerary included visits to various charities, interactions with local communities, and participation in a roundtable discussion hosted by the WHO, featuring representatives from major international bodies like the United Nations.
Engagements and Emotional Moments
On the first day, Harry and Meghan observed a music class at the QuestScope youth centre in the Za'atari refugee camp near Mafraq. They also joined Syrian children for a football kickabout, where Meghan scored a penalty, while Harry's shot was saved, adding a light-hearted moment to their visit. Later, at the Specialty Hospital in Amman, they met with doctors caring for medical evacuees, including 14-year-old Maria from Gaza, who suffered severe burns. Meghan offered a comforting hand, highlighting the emotional depth of their engagements.
The Controversy Over Unofficial Tours
Despite not being an official royal visit, this trip has been dubbed a "pseudo royal tour" by many observers. Body language expert Judi James commented that the Sussexes appear more at ease with such informal engagements compared to the rigid protocols of senior royal duties. She noted, "This looks like an important expression of pared-back-to-basics 'royalty' from the couple, suggesting a disconnect from formal, high-status roles."
Recent History of Quasi-Royal Tours
This Jordan visit follows Prince William's official three-day tour of Saudi Arabia, where he acted as a global statesman addressing Middle East conflicts. In contrast, Harry and Meghan have undertaken several unofficial tours in recent years. In 2024, they spent four days in Colombia at the invitation of Vice President Francia Marquez, promoting digital literacy and mental health awareness in local schools. Ms. Marquez stated that their engagements aimed to "illuminate Colombia's role as a beacon of culture and innovation."
Just months prior, in May 2024, the couple visited Nigeria for three days, where Meghan expressed a desire to reconnect with her African heritage. Royal author Angela Levin criticized this tour, calling it a "headache" for the Royal Family and arguing that without official roles, they lack the right to represent the monarchy, potentially annoying King Charles and Prince William.
Reflections on Their Royal Past
Less than three months before announcing their departure from royal duties, Harry and Meghan conducted their final official overseas tour: a 10-day visit to South Africa in September 2019 with their then four-month-old son, Archie. During this trip, Harry traveled solo to Malawi, Angola, and Botswana, while Meghan opened up about her mental health struggles in an interview with ITV's Tom Bradby, revealing she was "not okay." This candid moment foreshadowed their shocking decision to step back from royal roles and move to California in early 2020.
Ongoing Debates and Public Opinion
The Sussexes' activities continue to spark discussions about their influence on the monarchy. Supporters argue that their humanitarian work enhances the royal family's global appeal, while critics contend that unofficial tours undermine official efforts and create confusion. As they wrap up their Jordan trip, the question remains: should Harry and Meghan be allowed to carry out such tours to help the monarchy, or do they risk diluting its authority? The public is invited to weigh in on this evolving narrative.
