Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Accused of Acting like Royals on Their Own Terms

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are facing criticism for appearing to act on their own terms, seemingly bypassing the wishes of the late Queen Elizabeth II. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are set to visit Nottingham on October 15, marking their first joint public appearance in the U.K. since their return. Nottingham holds significant meaning for the couple, as it was the first city they visited after announcing their engagement in November 2017.

Kinsey Schofield, host of YouTube show “Kinsey Schofield Unfiltered,” shared with Fox News Digital that her sources report “frustration” within Buckingham Palace regarding Harry and Meghan’s upcoming visit to multiple charities, which resembles royal engagement.

“Harry and Meghan are no longer working members of the royal family,” Schofield stated. “King Charles recently reminded his government that the Sussexes are private citizens. The Sussexes seem determined to recreate the optics of royal life without the accompanying responsibilities…the charitable visits, appearances, photographers. It’s royal theatre minus royal authority.”

Royal engagements are not simply photo opportunities, Schofield emphasized. They involve diplomacy, soft power, and representation of the sovereign to strengthen relationships and serve national interests. She argued that Harry and Meghan appear more focused on mimicking the royal image rather than its true purpose.

British broadcaster Helena Chard added that the couple is striving to reclaim the spotlight they left behind, calling it a pseudo royal reboot.

In January 2020, Queen Elizabeth II made clear during the Sandringham Summit that there would be no “half in, half out” arrangement for the Sussexes. They could not remain working royals while pursuing independent ventures. The couple stepped back from royal duties that year, citing media intrusion and lack of support from the palace.

A Buckingham Palace statement released on February 19, 2021, confirmed that Harry and Meghan stepping away from royal duties made it impossible to continue with the responsibilities of public service.

People magazine reported that in Nottingham, the couple plans to focus on charitable work. They will revisit a food bank where Meghan plans to reconnect with women she supported at the Hubb Community Kitchen in London, having helped produce “Together: Our Community Cookbook.” The couple will also visit a Community Recording Studio, aiding young people affected by violence, and Epic Partners for mentoring and sports support.

Although Harry and Meghan have freedom to support charities as private citizens, these visits do not qualify as official royal engagements—a distinction that some royal commentators worry is becoming blurred.

Christopher Andersen, author of “Kate!,” stated to Fox News Digital that Harry and Meghan seem determined to recreate royal engagement scenarios despite not being authorized to do so. The couple’s continued support for worthy causes takes some sting out of their actions.

Several royal experts told Fox News Digital that the couple’s public appearances put King Charles in an awkward situation. Despite Harry and Meghan no longer being working royals, their titles, global influence and choreographed appearances can appear remarkably similar to official royal duties.

“King Charles faces a serious issue because it seems Harry and Meghan are ignoring the late Queen’s wishes,” Schofield remarked. “They’ve kept their titles and the recognition allows them to stage appearances like royal engagements, despite not representing the crown.”

The late Queen Elizabeth II passed away in 2022 at age 96, having ruled as England’s longest-reigning monarch. Royal commentator Andersen noted the king’s exhaustion from ongoing drama yet he may be compelled to act if the Sussexes persist in blurring status lines.

Royal broadcaster Ian Pelham Turner told Fox News Digital that now as private citizens, Harry and Meghan have the freedom to pursue independent projects without needing approval from the king or the Prince of Wales.

Schofield pointed out potential concern for the king due to rising frustration among royal supporters wishing him to adopt a firmer stance with his son and daughter-in-law.

While silence may appear the most dignified approach, Schofield warned that restraint could be misconstrued as weakness. It’s crucial for the monarchy to protect the integrity of royal service and clarify distinctions between working royals and private citizens.

Reflecting on the situation, Schofield noted that after years of denouncing royal life, the Sussexes appear to be returning to its formula, highlighting the enduring value of their royal connection.