Sussexes Dispute 2020 Royal Settlement as 'Foisted' During Nottingham Charity Tour
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s recent charity visits in Nottingham have reignited debate over their status as 'private citizens' versus working royals. A friend claims the couple never agreed to the 2020 Sandringham settlement that barred them from a 'half-in, half-out' role, calling it 'foisted' upon them. While Buckingham Palace maintains they are private citizens, the Sussexes’ public appearances have drawn sharp criticism from Piers Morgan, who labeled them 'grifters' for stealing media attention from the King and Queen’s Welsh visit.
Key points
- A friend of the Sussexes told Hello! magazine that Harry and Meghan do not consider themselves bound by the 2020 Sandringham agreement, stating they 'never agreed' to stop being 'half in, half out' royals.
- The couple visited three charities in Nottingham on October 15, their first joint public appearance in the UK since relocating from California in August, an event described by some as resembling a royal engagement.
- Buckingham Palace declined to comment, maintaining that the Sussexes are private citizens whose charitable work is a personal matter, a stance reiterated by King Charles in a letter to public bodies last month.
- Piers Morgan criticized the couple on X, calling them 'grifters' and 'contemptible' for what he described as a 'pathetic royal tribute act' that stole media attention from the King and Queen’s visit to Wales.
- Meghan Markle is reportedly considering a return to acting, while Prince Harry continues his charity work and prepares for the Invictus Games in Birmingham next year.
Background
The dispute centers on the January 2020 Sandringham agreement, where Queen Elizabeth II established that the Sussexes could not maintain a part-time royal status. The couple’s recent UK return in August 2026 has intensified scrutiny over their activities, with earlier reports noting police intervention during their Nottingham tour and speculation over marital strain due to Meghan’s missing engagement ring.
How outlets are covering it
The Daily Beast and Hello! magazine emphasize the Sussexes’ view that the 2020 settlement was imposed upon them without their consent, highlighting their financial independence as a reason for their current lifestyle. Marie Claire notes that while the couple plans only a 'handful' of joint events, their Nottingham visit was seen as a royal-style engagement. In contrast, The News International reports Piers Morgan’s harsh criticism, labeling the couple 'grifters' and accusing them of damaging the Royal Family’s reputation. Buckingham Palace has declined to comment, maintaining its position that the Sussexes are private citizens.
Why it matters
The controversy underscores the ongoing tension between the Sussexes and the Royal Family over the definition of royal duties and public engagement. It highlights the blurred lines between private charity work and official royal representation, with potential implications for the monarchy’s public image and the couple’s future roles in the UK.
What to watch
The couple is expected to undertake a limited number of joint public outings in the coming year, while Meghan Markle may return to acting and Prince Harry continues his charity work. Buckingham Palace’s stance on the Sussexes’ status remains unchanged, and no official response to the 'foisted' agreement claims has been issued.
- Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Latest Royal Betrayal Is ‘Unforgivable’ The Daily Beast
- Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Friend Says They “Never Agreed” to This Royal Ban Amid U.K. Return InStyle
- Prince Harry and Meghan Markle "Never Agreed" to Their Working Arrangement Marie Claire
- Prince Harry and Meghan Markle never accepted 'half in, half out' ban: 'It was decided and foisted upon them' HELLO! Magazine
- Piers Morgan finally breaks silence on Meghan Markle, Harry's first joint appearance The News International
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