A palace letter meant to settle the Sussexes’ status as “non-working royals” may have backfired, according to one royal commentator. Broadcaster Ian Turner now argues that King Charles and his advisers misjudged how to handle Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. His criticism centres on a single decision, and he describes its impact on the couple in strong terms.
Palace made a ‘mistake’ by not allowing Harry and Meghan to resume royal duties, per expert
Speaking to Fox News Digital, Ian Turner’s remarks follow Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s return to the U.K. Soon after they arrived, Buckingham Palace released a letter from the Lord Chamberlain, written on behalf of King Charles III.
It said there was “no change” to Harry and Meghan’s status and described their charitable work as “a personal matter for them both and undertaken in their private capacity.” It also likened their position to that of “private citizens with commercial and charitable interests.”
Turner rejected that description. “Harry and Meghan are not private citizens — this was decreed by King Charles in the letter created by the Lord Chamberlain which, in my view, was humiliating for the couple,” he said.
He also believes the royal family, often called The Firm, erred by not letting Harry and Meghan resume royal duties and support King Charles. In his view, the result is a lack of control. “What that means is that Harry and Meghan can do whatever they want right now,” Turner said.
He then pointed to the people guiding the palace. “It just goes to show at the moment that whoever is advising the royal family [is] constantly making mistakes.” He said that if they “really wanted to control” the couple, they “would invite them back” and thus, “actually control what’s going on.”
Turner also questioned the criticism aimed at the couple’s recent charity events in Nottingham. This was their first major joint outing since their reported return. Some royal experts compared those appearances to official royal engagements.
“What is the difference?” Turner asked, noting that “in reality, they are allowed to do whatever they want to do now to actually promote their charities and good causes.” The couple stepped back from senior royal roles in 2020 and moved to California. Harry and Meghan returned to the UK to be closer to family, amid King Charles’ health concerns.
