Edward Marchesi King Charles's recent letter to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex has sparked renewed controversy within the British royal family. Harry and Meghan, who returned to the United Kingdom after six years in California, expressed their displeasure with the king's use of the term "private citizens" to describe their current status.
A choice of words that has sparked mixed reactions and brought to light the tensions existing between the Sussexes and the monarchy.
The couple, who have maintained close ties with the Windsor dynasty, have always emphasized their commitment to charitable causes and volunteer work. Harry, in particular, continues to be a patron and spokesperson for various campaigns, a role that hardly fits with the definition of "private citizens."
The reaction of the dukes, gathered from close sources, confirms a certain tension that has persisted since they decided to move to the United States.
King Charles's letter and the Sussexes' surprise
A spokesperson for Harry and Meghan said the couple were “somewhat surprised” not to have been informed in advance about the publication of King Charles’s letter.
The dukes' staff reportedly received the text only an hour before it was released to the media. This lack of communication further fueled the long-standing tensions between the Sussexes and the royal family.
The letter, which reaffirms their status as non-working members of the monarchy, was interpreted by the dukes as an attempt to downplay their public role. Despite moving to California, Harry and Meghan have continued to be active in numerous charitable initiatives, a commitment that contradicts the definition of "private citizens."
The safety of the dukes and the decision of the government committee
Another point of contention concerns the safety of the Duke and Duchess and their children, Archie and Lilibet. The two children recently started attending a school in the rural Cotswolds, a change that has raised questions about their protection. The government's Committee for the Evaluation of the Safety of Royals and Public Figures (Ravec) is due to meet this week to discuss a request to review its previous denial of a police escort for the Sussexes.
The committee's decision will be crucial in determining the future of Harry and Meghan's security, especially given their status as members of the Windsor dynasty. The request for a public escort is primarily related to the protection of their children, who currently attend school in a rural area of the United Kingdom. The matter reflects the complex dynamics within the royal family and the challenges the Duke and Duchess of Sussex face in their role as public figures.
While the committee's decision is awaited, tensions between the Sussexes and the monarchy continue to grow. King Charles's use of the term "private citizens" has sparked a new wave of controversy, highlighting the differences in opinion between the dukes and the royal family. The matter, which comes amidst existing tensions, could have significant repercussions on the future relationship between Harry, Meghan, and the British monarchy.