A friend of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle says Queen Elizabeth II’s rejection of their proposed part-time royal arrangement was “foisted upon them.” The unnamed friend made the claim to Hello! magazine in comments reported by PEOPLE on October 19.
The Sussexes’ January 8, 2020, proposal would have combined selected royal responsibilities with independent careers. They also wanted to divide their time between Britain and North America, an approach widely described as “half-in, half-out.”
The comments follow the couple’s return to Britain in August with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, after six years based in California.
The friend argued that Harry and Meghan’s financial independence now allows them to choose their own work, regardless of criticism of the public appearances they undertake together.
The Sussexes’ Own Statement Acknowledged an Agreement
On their official Sussex Royal website, the couple’s transition statement said, “Per the agreement,” they understood they were required to stop undertaking representative duties for the Queen.
They had wanted to continue representing the Queen without drawing on the Sovereign Grant. The page also set out a 12-month review of the arrangement.
The Queen had met Harry, Charles and William at Sandringham on January 13. Five days later, Buckingham Palace published the settlement, which ended public funding for their royal duties and said they would stop using their HRH styles.
Private patronages and charitable associations could continue. The couple also expressed their intention to repay the public money spent refurbishing Frogmore Cottage, their British home at the time.
On February 19, 2021, the palace announced the outcome of its review: Harry and Meghan had confirmed that they would not return as working royals. Their honorary military appointments and royal patronages were returned to the Queen for redistribution.
Friends Also Object to the Labels Used to Describe Them
On September 7, Charles authorized guidance to senior officials about the couple’s activities. The letter, sent by Lord Chamberlain Lord Benyon, described their position as being “akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests.”
That description prompted objections from people close to the Sussexes. A source told PEOPLE that their international recognition and the attention surrounding their movements made an ordinary private life unrealistic.
A friend subsequently told The Times that the distinction between working and non-working royals was a “really lazy phrase.” The friend argued that Harry and Meghan continue to work and remain members of the royal family, even though their activities are separate from the institution.
The same source objected to calling them “former royals.” Harry remains the King’s son, and the couple retain their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles.
Nottingham Reunited Meghan With Women From Her Cookbook Project
Harry and Meghan visited three Nottingham charities on October 15, returning to the city where they made their first royal visit after announcing their engagement in 2017. At the Community Recording Studio, they met young people involved in music and mentoring programs.
At Himmah Hub, which tackles food poverty, Meghan reunited with four contributors to “Together: Our Community Cookbook.” The 2018 project supported the Hubb Community Kitchen, bringing together women affected by the Grenfell Tower fire.
Meghan had donated £10,000 from the cookbook’s proceeds to Himmah, according to Reuters. The day’s final stop was Epic Partners, which provides education, sport and community programs for children and families.
The Couple Is Expected to Make Only a Few Joint Appearances
Harry discussed his family’s plans in an October 20 interview with GQ. Speaking to Zach Baron in late September, he said that giving his children experience of British schools had become particularly important to him.
He also wanted them to know the country where he grew up and spend more time near family and friends. Harry left the longer-term timetable open, describing a period outside the United States before reassessing the family’s plans.
Hello! reported that the Sussexes expect to make only a handful of joint public appearances over the coming year. Harry will continue individual charitable engagements, while Meghan concentrates on her As Ever lifestyle brand and considers further entertainment work.
Harry’s commitments include preparations for the Invictus Games, the competition he founded for wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans. Birmingham will host the next edition from July 10 through July 17, 2027.