Former Kensington Palace Aide Steps In for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle During Nottingham Walkabout
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle received discreet support from a former Kensington Palace aide during their Nottingham walkabout, as the Sussexes navigated a public appearance that reportedly required experienced hands behind the scenes.
Beth Herlihy, who previously worked at Kensington Palace, was spotted helping carry flowers and balloons presented to the Duke and Duchess by members of the public during their recent visit.
Her appearance offered a reminder of the former staff connections that have remained part of the Sussexes’ story, even after their departure from royal duties and move to the United States.
According to Daily Mail editor Rebecca English, Herlihy was among those helping the couple manage the practical demands of the Nottingham outing, which drew attention for its resemblance to a traditional royal walkabout.
Herlihy had reportedly been laid off by Kensington Palace in 2018 after Harry and Meghan’s decision to step away from their positions as senior working royals prompted changes to their household arrangements.
The former aide’s involvement has now attracted fresh interest, particularly as the Sussexes continue to undertake public-facing activities outside the official royal structure.
English noted that the walkabout took place just hours after the couple’s team had reportedly indicated that they would not carry out one because of security concerns.
The journalist questioned how the event had unfolded, pointing out that the timing of the visit had already been made public and that the eventual walkabout closely resembled an official royal engagement.
“Even the walkabout undertaken by the couple … was royal in all but name,” English wrote in her assessment of the visit.
The appearance highlighted the logistical challenges involved in managing public interactions, particularly when crowds gather to greet the couple and present gifts.
Herlihy’s quiet role in handling flowers and balloons demonstrated the practical support that can be needed during such moments, even when an event is not being conducted on behalf of the monarchy.
Harry and Meghan have faced scrutiny over their staffing arrangements since 2018, with reports pointing to numerous departures across the years surrounding their royal exit, relocation to the United States and subsequent public appearances.
However, the former aide’s presence does not in itself indicate that the couple are preparing to return to royal duties or rebuild an official royal household.
English also cited a friend of Meghan who maintained that the Sussexes have no interest in returning to royal life, despite the attention surrounding their Nottingham visit.
The couple have not announced any plan to resume their former roles as working royals, and their recent activities should not be confused with official engagements carried out for the Crown.
For now, Herlihy’s appearance has drawn attention to the experienced support behind the Sussexes’ latest public outing, while questions about their future relationship with the Royal Family remain unresolved.
