Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are pushing back on the palace's 'private citizens' label. Sources close to the couple insist they are 'public figures', as Harry steps up his public engagements in London and New York.
The dispute follows a letter sent by the Lord Chamberlain on behalf of King Charles on 7 September. Harry and Meghan had returned to the UK two weeks earlier after living six years in California. The couple are reportedly staying in the Cotswolds, while their children, Archie and Lilibet, have started school in Britain.
The Palace's Letter and the Couple's Reaction
The Lord Chamberlain's letter reaffirmed that Harry and Meghan remain non-working members of the royal family. It described their position as 'akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests' and said their charity work is a personal matter carried out in a private capacity. Security issues are for the relevant police agencies to decide.
A spokesperson for the couple told People they were 'surprised' by the letter. They had not been given a chance to contribute to its contents before it was released.
The Sussexes Are 'Public Figures'
Three days later, sources close to the couple pushed back. Speaking to People on 10 September, they argued that the Sussexes are public figures because the public knows who they are. A normal private life, the sources said, is not realistic. They also questioned why the Lord Chamberlain would need to issue formal guidance if the couple were private citizens.
Not everyone agrees. Commentator Kinsey Schofield told Fox News Digital that being a private citizen means the couple do not represent the King. She argued they cannot 'feed the publicity machine' and then complain about a lack of privacy. Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told the outlet the Sussexes make news whatever they do.
Harry Returns to Public Engagements
Since returning to the UK, Harry has stepped up his public schedule. He attended the Invictus Spirit Gala Dinner and Awards in London on 17 September, his first public appearance since the family's return.
He also attended the WellChild Awards on 21 September, where he has served as patron since 2007. He presented an award and gave a speech, while Meghan did not attend either event.
Two days later, Harry travelled to New York to speak at the Clinton Global Initiative's annual meeting, where he addressed the impact of technology on children.
A Pending Security Review
Security remains unresolved. According to reports, the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures, known as RAVEC, has told Harry he will receive a full review of his security. Meghan will undergo her own review, her first since the couple stepped back from royal duties in 2020.
Harry completed a separate Risk Management Board assessment in July, but he is still waiting for a decision on his level of protection. The reviews do not guarantee increased protection.
The couple also moved their children to a different school two days after they started. A family spokesperson said the change followed a discussion with their security team about the practicalities of the arrangements.
For now, the palace and sources close to the Sussexes describe their status differently. The palace describes their position as akin to that of private citizens, while sources close to the couple call them public figures. Their security reviews remain pending.
