Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are carrying out three public charity visits in Nottingham today, returning to a city that sits at the center of a dispute over how the couple’s public role was defined in 2020. The visits were understood to have been planned at short notice after three charities separately requested them.
The trip lands as the Sussexes face renewed scrutiny over whether they ever accepted the limits set on their royal role. A friend said, “It doesn't trouble them. They never agreed they wouldn't be half in half out. That was what was decided and foisted upon them.”
Buckingham Palace and January 2020
Buckingham Palace said in January 2020 that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were “grateful” to the monarch and her family for their ongoing support. The same statement said, “As agreed in this new arrangement, they understand that they are required to step back from Royal duties, including official military appointments,” and added, “with The Queen's blessing, the Sussexes will continue to maintain their private patronages and associations.”
That language matters because it set the terms now being argued over in public. Buckingham Palace drew a line between Royal duties and private patronages, while the couple are now being presented in charitable and commercial work as private citizens rather than working royals.
Charles and Lord Benyon
Last month, The King wrote to public bodies to make clear the Sussexes should be treated as private citizens. A letter sent by Lord Benyon at Charles's request went further, saying: “The charitable work of the Duke and Duchess is a personal matter for them both and undertaken in their private capacity. In short, their position is akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests.”
The same exchange leaves the practical picture clear for today’s visit: the couple can still appear in public for charity work, but their status is being handled through the language of private capacity rather than royal office. Their preferred public label has also been described as “public figures,” which fits the way these Nottingham visits are being framed.
Nottingham visits today
The Nottingham visits are the immediate event, and they also show how differently the couple’s calendars are expected to look over the coming year. HELLO! understands the couple will carry out only a “handful” of joint public outings over the coming year, while Prince Harry is expected to attend solo public engagements more regularly as Meghan focuses on As ever and a return to acting.
A source close to Meghan said her diary is full with the kids, As ever, acting, and supporting good causes. A source also said Archie and Lili are both in school full time and are really enjoying school, which helps explain why the couple’s joint appearances are expected to stay limited even as Prince Harry continues public charity work in Nottingham.
