Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Challenge 'Working Royal' Terminology
The couple objects to labels distinguishing their independent work from royal family membership.
1Challenging Institutional Labels
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reportedly reject the term 'working members of the royal family' as a lazy descriptor. A source close to the couple argues that this terminology fails to capture their current status. They maintain that while they are no longer representing the monarchy, they remain active family members.
2Defining Independent Professional Work
The couple distinguishes their current professional and charitable activities from the official duties they performed before 2020. They emphasize that their work is conducted independently rather than on behalf of the institution. This distinction is central to how they view their ongoing public engagements and private commercial ventures like As Ever.
3Nottingham Visit Sparks Debate
Their October 15 visit to Nottingham, involving meetings with community groups like Himmah and Epic Partners, reignited public discourse regarding their royal status. While the visit focused on youth development and food poverty, some online critics labeled the event a 'pretend royal engagement' due to its similarity to traditional royal walkabouts.
4Historical Context of Engagement
Nottingham holds specific significance for the couple, as it was the site of their first joint public engagement on December 1, 2017. The recent visit mirrored the format of that earlier appearance, which led observers to compare the two events. These comparisons fueled speculation about the nature of their current public-facing activities.
5Official Stance on Status
King Charles III maintains that the couple are not working royals, a position reaffirmed by the Lord Chamberlain in a September 7 letter. This guidance clarified that their charitable work is a personal matter undertaken in a private capacity. The institution continues to categorize them as having stepped back from official duties.
6Maintaining Titles and Identity
Despite stepping back from official roles, the couple retains their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles. They have ceased using their His and Her Royal Highness styles in public capacities since 2020. This arrangement allows them to pursue independent professional paths while remaining members of the family, separate from the royal institution.
7Public Perception Versus Reality
The criticism surrounding their recent appearances highlights the tension between public expectations and the couple's private capacity. While critics question why their engagements resemble former duties, the couple asserts that their work is entirely independent. These reactions represent individual public sentiment rather than any formal assessment or change in their status.
8Strategic Implications of Branding
The objection to the 'working royal' label reflects a broader effort by the couple to control their professional narrative. By rejecting labels that imply institutional service, they seek to define their own identity. This ongoing tension underscores the complexities of transitioning from official public roles to independent, private professional and charitable lives.