Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reportedly remain determined to live independently despite criticism over their return to the UK. A longtime friend of Harry has also defended the couple, saying their time in Britain will not change how they choose to live.
Prince Harry’s friend defends his & Meghan Markle’s independence amid UK backlash
The couple’s visit to Nottingham on Oct. 5 marked their first joint public appearance since returning to the UK. Their trip included stops at the Community Recording Studio, Himmah Hub and Epic Partners, where they met local residents and community groups.
The visit drew comparisons to their royal engagements before they stepped back from royal duties in 2020. Critics have questioned whether the couple intends to continue making royal-style appearances despite no longer serving as working royals.
However, a longtime friend of Harry told Hello! that the criticism would not change their plans.
“They want to have their independent lives in the way they think they should, and they feel they have a right to, like anybody,” the friend said. “I don’t think they are going to do things in a different way just because they’re back in the UK.”
Another friend addressed criticism that the couple was trying to maintain a halfway position between royal duties and private life.
“It doesn’t trouble them. They never agreed that they wouldn’t be half in, half out. That was what was decided and was foisted upon them,” the source said.
“They’re just living their lives, and they can do it because they’re financially independent,” the friend added.
The comments also brought renewed attention to the 2020 Sandringham Summit. The resulting agreement meant Harry and Meghan could not combine working royal duties with independent commercial interests.
Since stepping back, the couple has continued pursuing charitable and commercial projects outside the royal family.
