A friend of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex says they object to labels that they believe misrepresent their status, as the couple return to the public eye in the UK.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are reportedly frustrated by the phrase “working members of the Royal Family”, according to a friend quoted by The Sunday Times. The friend said the couple dislike the term and also object to being called “former royals”. The comments follow the couple’s joint public engagements in Nottingham on 15 October, their first major appearances together in Britain since returning from the United States. The couple stepped back as senior royals in 2020.
What the friend said
The friend described “working members of the Royal Family” as “a really lazy phrase”. “He hates it, she hates it,” they said. “They are not working for the institution, but they are members of the Royal Family, and they work.”
The friend added: “Their days are built around their family life and their work. She’s running a business seven days a week.” They also said Harry remains the King’s son and a member of the family, even though he no longer represents the institution. The couple are reported to feel that the label “former royals” distorts public perception. The comments come from one unnamed friend, and neither Harry nor Meghan has commented publicly.
Where the Palace stands
The Royal Family’s official website still lists them as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Their other titles include Earl and Countess of Dumbarton, and Baron and Baroness Kilkeel. Buckingham Palace said in a statement on 19 February 2021 that the couple would not return to official royal duties but would remain members of the family. According to the research notes, they do not actively use their HRH styles under the 2020 agreement.
That points to a distinction between belonging to the family and acting as a representative of the Crown. The research notes cite ITV News as reporting that a letter sent to government stakeholders in September, authorised by King Charles, clarified that the couple are private citizens and not official representatives of the monarchy. It was sent before the Nottingham visit. The letter does not mean Harry has stopped being the King’s son or has lost his titles.
The Nottingham visit
During the visit, the couple were greeted by well-wishers, posed for photographs and spoke with members of the public. Their itinerary included three organisations:
- Community Recording Studio, which supports young people through music and creative opportunities
- Himmah Hub, which provides food assistance and community support
- Epic Partners, which works with young people through sport and mentoring
Page Six reported on 16 October that police stepped in when crowds gathered around the couple’s vehicle at their last engagement of the day, on Edale Road, and obstructed its departure. There were no verified reports of an attack or injury.
Public opinion and history
A YouGov survey cited by The Sunday Times found that 51% of British adults preferred Harry and Meghan to stay outside the working monarchy. That measures what the public wants, not whether the couple work hard or remain part of the family. The survey’s dates and sample size could not be established from the reporting available, so the finding should be attributed to the newspaper.
The couple’s 2020 transition plan, published on their former Sussex Royal website, shows they initially wanted to keep representing Queen Elizabeth II part-time while becoming financially independent. The final arrangement required them to stop official representative duties. Under that agreement they also agreed not to use “Sussex Royal” or any variation of the word “Royal” for their organisation, and later withdrew related trademark applications. There is no verified announcement that they are trying to revive the brand.
Family relations
Vanity Fair reported on 14 October that the couple are unlikely to join the Royal Family’s Christmas celebrations at Sandringham. It said relations with Prince William remain strained and that Meghan is expected to spend time in California with her mother, Doria Ragland. They have not spent Christmas with the wider family since 2018. These are reported plans and not a palace announcement.
The Sunday Times reports that the couple have not met the King since July. Other coverage suggests Harry wants better relations with his father, while his relationship with William remains distant. Royal commentator Ingrid Seward has suggested that Queen Camilla could help improve communication. No meeting or reconciliation has been announced. No formal change to their status has been made, and no arrangement restoring them as working royals has been announced.
