King Charles has been warned he needs to "contain" Prince Harry and Meghan Markle after they broke their silence following their return to the UK. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex had been in the country for a matter of hours when they issued a statement about a court settlement concerning social media giant Meta.
Statement on Meta settlement
The couple, who have long been outspoken about the dangers social media poses to children, celebrated the news that the company will pay up to $18billion (£13.3billion) to settle child endangerment claims.
Maureen Callahan, commentator and Daily Mail columnist, suggested the move could be just their first as "private royals plus", a unique arrangement they are reportedly seeking to remain private individuals with close and visible ties to the Firm.
Call for containment
Ms Callahan wrote on X: "King Charles needs to contain this. The Sussexes haven't been on the ground more than 24 hours and they're already issuing statements - their first as 'private royals plus' about Meta. Buckle up."
The couple said the settlement "clearly signals that Meta and social media companies understand they are up against an immovable force of parents, survivors and advocates who will not back down until we see change in how our young people interact with online spaces".
"It is a positive step for everyone advocating for safer online spaces and at the same time - far from the end of the journey to a better online world," they added.
Reaction and return to UK
Other social media commentators agreed with Ms Callahan's verdict, with one writing: "This is exactly the problem with this 'private royals plus' idea.
"The Sussexes appear to want the freedom to take public, activist positions on political and corporate issues while still expecting the privileges and taxpayer-funded security associated with royal status. You cannot reasonably have it both ways."
Harry and Meghan returned to the UK with their children to begin a new life after six years in the US on Wednesday, with Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five, already enrolled in British schools. The family is said to be settling in the UK for an "extended period" of time, with the Cotswolds suggested as the most likely destination for their new home.
