Mirror readers have overwhelmingly said Prince Harry and Meghan Markle should not be allowed to carry out quasi-royal engagements, after the couple made their first joint appearance since moving back to the UK.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex spent all day on Thursday in Nottingham, meeting members of the community and visiting charities, in a schedule that had all the hallmarks of an official royal tour. However, six years after quitting their royal roles, they undertook the engagements as private citizens.
Readers overwhelmingly opposed
After more than 5,000 responses, 93 percent of readers believe the Sussexes should not be allowed to undertake these kinds of engagements. Just six percent said they should carry out their public charity work, while one percent were undecided.
One reader said: “Of course they shouldn't be permitted to be half-in and half-out of the Monarchy, carrying out royal duties. The late Queen said no, and the King has confirmed their status as private citizens.”
Another argued the couple cannot be controlled by the rules of the Firm, saying: “They have NOT been told not to do anything because they are no longer working royals, and the King cannot direct what they do anymore. They can do as many 'faux' tours as they like and the King cannot stop it. They are still treated as royals by the public.”
Some support for the couple
There was support for Harry and Meghan to continue their work, with one person saying: “They should be allowed back into the Royal Family to do engagements. Harry is still popular with people, who understand he left the Firm to do what was right for his family. Now they’re back in the UK, they should be let back in.”
After Harry and Meghan, along with their children Archie and Lilibet, moved back to the UK at the end of August, King Charles issued a letter to clarify that the couple would remain private citizens, and any work they undertake would not be for the monarchy. The letter added that the Sussexes should not use their HRH styles, which are still in abeyance, and that they “do not represent the sovereign” while making public appearances.
Status as public figures
A royal source later claimed that Harry and Meghan would prefer to be referred to as ‘public figures’, while PR expert Mayah Riaz previously told the Mirror that it is up to the general public to determine the Sussexes’ status.
She said: “Without question, Harry and Meghan are already public figures. You don’t need a royal title or an official role to qualify as one. They have global recognition, millions of followers, commercial ventures, charitable work and, importantly, an extraordinary level of public and media interest.”
Mayah added: “Harry has spent his entire life being defined through the Royal Family, so there is clearly a desire to establish an identity that isn’t dependent on being a working royal. Being a public figure allows them to position themselves as influential individuals in their own right. Harry and Meghan have invested heavily in creating a life and public profile outside the Royal Family, so naturally they will want that work to be acknowledged on its own terms.”
