Harry and Meghan Fight 'Working Royals' Label: 'We're Royals Who Work'
Harry and Meghan claim they’re 'royals who work', rejecting both 'working royals' and 'former royals' labels after their UK return [1].
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have launched a public pushback against the term 'working royals', calling it 'lazy' and misleading, according to a friend [1]. The couple, who stepped back from royal duties in 2020, insist they remain members of the royal family despite no longer carrying out official engagements. They reject being labelled 'former royals', arguing it’s inaccurate given Harry is still the King’s son [2].
The dispute centres on how they’re described in media and public discourse. While 'working royals' typically refers to those like King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William and Kate Middleton who perform public duties, Harry and Meghan say the term excludes them unfairly [1]. A friend told The Sunday Times the phrase 'he hates it, she hates it' and called it a 'lazy' shorthand that misrepresents their status [2].
They argue they are 'royals who work'—balancing family life, their As Ever brand, and UK-based charities [1]. Meghan, 45, is reportedly in talks for a role in Netflix’s The Gentlemen, while Harry, 42, remains active in philanthropy, including attending the Invictus Spirit awards.
Their first joint public appearance since returning to the UK in August drew mixed reactions in Nottingham, with some cheering and others heckling [1]. The event was private, not official, following Buckingham Palace’s instruction that they be treated as private citizens with commercial interests.
Despite the King’s wishes, the couple have not been invited to the Sandringham Christmas gathering, with plans instead to spend the holidays with Meghan’s mother in Montecito, California [1]. Harry has reportedly not spoken to his brother, the Prince of Wales, since 2022.
They’ve been active in public life since their return, including a lighthearted moment with schoolchildren in Nottingham where Harry shared a humorous anecdote about his son Archie’s maths class [2]. The family continues to navigate their new role: not part of the institution, but still part of the family. The story was first reported by Metro and Mirror.
Sources
This article is based on reporting by the outlets below.
