Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly taken great exception to King Charles calling them 'private citizens' in a Buckingham Palace letter of guidance. The couple, who have been in the UK for a fortnight, are said to prefer the term 'public figures' instead.
The letter, released on behalf of the monarch last Monday, confirmed the Sussexes were not returning as working royals and stressed they should not be referred to as 'His and Her Royal Highness'. It added: "Their position is akin to private citizens."
Row over security and status
There are two big reasons why the couple do not want to be treated as ordinary Brits. The first is taxpayer-funded Metropolitan Police protection officers. They remain in a legal row over their demand to be treated like working royals in the UK by the Home Office, with access to 24/7 police protection teams.
The Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec), the Home Office body responsible for decisions on royal security, was reportedly due to meet last week to discuss arrangements for the Sussexes. The King's letter dropped just beforehand, appearing to view the pair as no different to non-working royals like Zara and Mike Tindall.
Commercial interests at stake
The second reason is that their VIP 'status' is vital to their commercial interests. If they are just 'private citizens', who will pay them to attend conferences? They want to be known as 'public figures' to get bums on seats.
To pay for their new Cotswolds pad, private school fees and jet-setting lifestyle, they need sacks of cash and no queuing at airports. Even before Megxit, they were hankering for 'royal' VIP status as a money-spinner. When the late Queen would not give it to them, they fled the UK for Hollywood.
Harry and Meghan like to meet ordinary Brits in hospitals or charity helpline offices, but they do not want to be one.
