Harry and Meghan Accused of Running “Rival Royal Court”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's return to public life in Britain has sparked a fierce argument over whether the Sussexes are performing charitable work or attempting to establish their own unofficial royal court.

The couple's recent visit to Nottingham looked remarkably similar to the engagements they carried out as working members of the Royal Family, complete with cheering supporters, flowers, photographs and carefully organized appearances.
But Express columnist Alicia Liberty questions why two people who stepped away from royal duties are still conducting what appear to be royal-style walkabouts.

Fellow Express writer Emily Wright goes further, accusing Meghan of launching a calculated publicity offensive designed to compete with Catherine, Princess of Wales.

Not everyone agrees.

Writing in the iPaper, royal commentator Jennie Bond argues that Harry and Meghan remain effective public figures who can use their fame to support charitable causes. Bond suggests William will simply have to accept that the Sussexes are back in Britain and attracting attention.
But the controversy extends beyond royal jealousy.

Natalie Fahy, editor of the Nottingham Post, has criticized the Sussexes' visit over the use of local public resources. She questions why a financially struggling city should provide crowd-control support and road closures for two people who are no longer working royals.
Fahy also contrasts Meghan's expensive clothing with the economic hardship experienced by families in the neighborhoods the couple visited.

Meanwhile, Meghan's meeting with Malala Yousafzai continues to attract scrutiny.
Daily Mail journalist Alison Boshoff questions how much money Meghan's promise to donate a day's proceeds from As Ever jam and tea sales will actually generate for the Malala Fund. Boshoff estimates the amount could be relatively modest, although the calculation relies on limited publicly available information.

And Meghan's charity sweatshirt has reportedly sold out twice. The $100 collaboration with Moms Offering More was released for International Day of the Girl, with proceeds supporting organizations helping mothers and families.

The competing reactions leave one question hanging over Harry and Meghan's British comeback: are they rebuilding their public image through charitable work, or creating a parallel royal operation outside Buckingham Palace?

Questions this episode answers: Are Prince Harry and Meghan Markle running a rival royal court? Why are critics questioning the Sussexes' Nottingham visit? What did Jennie Bond say about Harry and Meghan's comeback? Is Meghan deliberately competing with Kate Middleton for publicity? Why is the Nottingham Post criticizing Harry and Meghan? Did taxpayers pay for security and crowd control during the Sussexes' visit? How much money will Meghan's As Ever promotion raise for the Malala Fund? Has Meghan's $100 charity sweatshirt sold out? And could Harry and Meghan's return to Britain create a new rivalry with William and Catherine?

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Palace Intrigue is a daily British royal family podcast covering King Charles, Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, Kate Middleton and the House of Windsor. New episodes every day. Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Part of the Caloroga Media network.

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