Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may seek legal help to challenge King Charles’ description of ‘private citizens’: Report | Today’s news
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly considering whether to challenge King Charles’ designation of them as “private citizens,” RadarOnline.com reports.
Citing sources close to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, RadarOnline.com claimed the couple are unhappy with the wording and believe it does not accurately reflect their position as internationally recognized public figures.
The couple reportedly objected to the language used in the letter approved by King Charles, 77, who reaffirmed arrangements for their stepping down from royal duties in 2020.
Instructions were circulated among senior government and military officials along with other authorities. He reiterates that Harry and Meghan are non-working members of the royal family and claims their status is “similar to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests”.
A source quoted by the portal said: “Harry and Meghan are not prepared to simply accept the label as ‘private citizens’ when the reality of their lives is considerably more complicated. They are internationally recognized people who engage in public charity work, have patronage and attract considerable media attention wherever they go.
“They fear that the King’s wording could create a misleading account of their position, which would then be repeated by government departments and other official organisations, which they say could be particularly legally damaging in relation to their efforts to increase security in Britain.”
Could Harry and Meghan take legal action?
The Sussexes are said to be looking into whether the description could have ramifications beyond royal protocol, particularly in relation to their security measures in the UK.
The source added: “What they are looking into is whether the description of them in official correspondence as effectively private citizens accurately reflects their status as public figures. If they conclude that this language has implications beyond palace protocol, they will consider what options are available to challenge it or clarify whether it will be a legal battle or a public statement.”
Why were the palace instructions issued?
The guidance on Harry and Meghan’s role in the royal family was intended to “help avoid confusion” over how government officials should deal with the couple when carrying out public procurement independently of the monarchy.
It said of the couple: “Their position is similar to that of private citizens with commercial and charitable interests.
Sources close to the Sussexes claimed they were only given about an hour before the correspondence was made public.
A spokesman for Harry and Meghan said: “We’re a bit surprised they didn’t tell us about this beforehand.”
What are Harry and Meghan expected to do next?
Harry is expected to return to public engagements in the coming weeks, including appearances linked to his charities and sponsorships.
Meghan is not expected to accompany him to public events immediately as she focuses on getting their children, seven-year-old Archie and five-year-old Lilibet, into school after the family returns to Britain.
