Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have faced fresh criticism after their reported objection to being described as non working royals sparked another debate about their relationship with the Royal Family.
Sources close to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex previously suggested that the couple disliked the phrase ‘working members of the Royal Family’, reportedly describing it as a “lazy” expression.
The comments attracted attention because the distinction between working and non-working royals has remained a sensitive subject since Harry and Meghan stepped back from their official duties in 2020.
Some observers interpreted the reported remarks as an indirect criticism of the senior working royals, particularly Prince William and Princess Kate, who carry out official responsibilities on behalf of the monarchy.
Royal expert Emily Andrews has now offered a particularly critical assessment of the Sussexes’ reported position, questioning what she believes is behind their objections.
Andrews argued that the couple’s comments appeared to come from a sense of disappointment rather than a genuine disagreement about royal responsibilities.
She suggested that senior members of the Royal Family have no difficulty with the expression ‘working royals’ because they understand the duties and expectations attached to their positions.
In contrast, Andrews criticised Harry and Meghan for reportedly complaining about the terminology through people close to them rather than publicly addressing the issue themselves.
The royal commentator also highlighted the nature of the responsibilities undertaken by working members of the monarchy, pointing to important national occasions that require their presence.
These include significant commemorations such as the Aberfan memorial events and Remembrance Sunday at the Cenotaph, which remain important parts of the Royal Family’s public duties.
Andrews suggested that Harry and Meghan no longer want to participate in the routine engagements expected of working royals, particularly those involving formal appearances and traditional royal protocol.
She also drew attention to what she sees as a difference in how the Royal Family handles former members compared with Harry’s continued public comments about family disagreements.
According to Andrews, senior royals generally avoid discussing relatives who have stepped away from official duties, while the Duke of Sussex has repeatedly spoken about his strained family relationships.
She particularly referenced Harry’s interview with GQ, in which he suggested that certain members of his family were unwilling to pursue reconciliation.
The expert’s comments added another layer to the ongoing debate about whether Harry and Meghan want to maintain a connection with royal life while remaining independent of its official responsibilities.
Andrews ultimately suggested that the Sussexes’ public comments could be an attempt to attract attention from the Royal Family, while senior members appear determined not to engage in another public dispute.
The disagreement highlights how the terminology surrounding royal status continues to create tension, even years after Harry and Meghan made their decision to leave their positions as working members of the monarchy.
