Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have become the subject of a new public debate over whether they should be treated as private citizens or public figures. The discussion follows King Charles’ September 7 letter reaffirming that the Sussexes remain non-working members of the Royal Family and operate in a private capacity. Sources close to Harry and Meghan have pushed back on the “private citizens” description, arguing that the couple remains prominent public figures.
Royal fans suggest Prince Harry and Meghan Markle should not be considered ‘public figures’
A new poll has asked readers whether Prince Harry and Meghan Markle should be treated as public figures following King Charles’ clarification of their status. The debate comes after reports that sources close to the Sussexes objected to the description of them as private citizens and argued that they remain prominent public figures.
As per Express UK, the debate centers on whether Harry and Meghan should be regarded as public figures despite no longer carrying out official royal duties. The poll produced divided views, with some respondents supporting the public-figure description while others preferred the “private citizens” characterization. The poll asked: “Should Prince Harry and Meghan be treated as public figures?” It ran from September 9 to September 10, 2026, and received 9,302 votes.
However, a whopping 91 percent, which is 8,449 people, voted that Harry and Meghan should remain private citizens. Moreover, 1 percent, or 51 people, said they don’t know. The Sussexes’ representative issued a statement to BBC, stating that they were “a little surprised not to have been told about this in advance”. As per a scoop by Rob Shuter, Prince William urged King Charles to clarify the Sussexes’ royal status in the UK.
Ever since Harry and Meghan returned to the UK on August 26, there has been incessant discourse on their renewed status as royals. However, Charles’ letter put any confusion to rest. The royal source shared: “William had enough of the confusion. William’s answer was brutally simple: nothing has changed. They are out.”
