Harry and Meghan object to 'working royal' description

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 18 Oct, 17:31 · Archive

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reportedly object to being described as 'working royals', insisting they are 'royals who work'.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reportedly object to the term 'working royals', which describes members of the Royal Family who undertake official engagements on behalf of the monarchy. A friend of the couple told the Sunday Times that both Harry and Meghan dislike the phrase, viewing it as 'lazy'. The friend said that rather than being 'working for the institution', the couple consider themselves members of the royal family who work on their own projects.

The couple stepped down as senior working members of the Royal Family in 2020 and subsequently secured commercial deals with companies including Spotify and Netflix. When they made their first public joint engagements since returning to the UK in Nottingham in August, Buckingham Palace communicated that the couple be treated as 'private citizens' with commercial and charitable interests.

The couple also reportedly object to being described as 'former royals', which they find misleading given that Harry remains the King's son. Harry, aged 42, is focused on his UK-based charities, whilst Meghan, aged 45, runs her As Ever brand of food and homeware, with plans to expand sales in the UK. They are parents to Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

How it is being reported

• Harry and Meghan's pal insists couple are 'royals who work' in row over titlePrince Harry and Meghan Markle are said to object to being described as "former royals" as they made their first public engagements since returning to the UK in AugustThe Mirror · 18 Oct, 17:08
• Meghan and Harry hate ‘working royals’ title and insist they’re ‘royals who work’The couple are said to hate the term 'working royal' and dislike being referred to as 'former' royals.Metro · 18 Oct, 13:09

In this story: Prince Harry · Meghan Markle · King Charles · Buckingham Palace · Nottingham · United Kingdom

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