The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have expressed strong objections to the term “working members of the royal family,” a phrase traditionally used by the monarchy to describe those undertaking official engagements on behalf of the institution. Harry and Meghan argue that the phrase is an oversimplification, as they consider themselves active members of the royal family who also maintain their own professional and personal commitments.

The couple recently completed their first joint public appearances in Nottingham since returning to the UK in August. Despite performing engagements supporting local charities, they dispute being categorized solely as “working royals” or as “former royals.” A close associate of the couple said that the phrase is “really lazy” and does not capture the full scope of their roles, emphasizing that Meghan runs a business continuously while Harry remains engaged with charitable work tied to his royal patronages. The friend highlighted that Harry, as the son of King Charles III, remains a member of the royal family even as he steps outside the formal institution.

Buckingham Palace declined to comment on the couple’s views but reiterated in a September letter sent “at the King’s direction” that Harry and Meghan’s status as non-working royals remains unchanged. The palace specified that they should be regarded as private citizens with commercial and charitable interests rather than official representatives of the crown.

Tensions between the Sussexes and the wider royal family persist. Sources close to the couple acknowledge ongoing strains, particularly between Harry and his brother, the Prince of Wales, as well as with their father, King Charles III. Since their return to the UK, Harry and Meghan have not seen the King, who is currently undergoing cancer treatment in Scotland. Furthermore, Harry and William have not spoken since 2022. A friend of the couple indicated that family reunions, including Christmas celebrations, are unlikely, with Harry and Meghan not expecting invitations and choosing not to await one.

Public opinion on the Sussexes’ royal status remains divided. A recent YouGov poll surveying 4,500 British adults found that 51 percent prefer the couple to maintain their position as non-working royals, while 16 percent favor their return to official duties; the remaining respondents were uncertain.

Since stepping back from frontline royal roles in 2020 and relocating to the United States, Harry and Meghan have pursued various commercial ventures, including books, documentaries, podcasts, and paid speaking engagements. Harry continues to focus on UK-based charitable activities, notably the Invictus Games scheduled for Birmingham next year, while Meghan is reported to work full time managing her As Ever lifestyle brand, which plans a UK launch. During their recent visit to Nottingham, the Sussexes took part in three separate engagements supporting youth and community organizations.