Royal experts say Harry and Meghan's Nottingham visit blurs line between private citizens and working royals

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to travel to Nottingham on Oct. 15 for a series of charitable visits, marking their first joint public appearance in the United Kingdom since returning from abroad. The itinerary includes a food bank, the Community Recording Studio and the youth-focused organization Epic Partners.

Royal commentators have expressed concern that the couple's activities could be perceived as official royal duties, even though they are no longer working members of the royal family. > "Harry and Meghan are no longer working members of the royal family," Kinsey Schofield, host of a YouTube show, told Fox News Digital. > "King Charles recently reminded his government that the Sussexes are private citizens. The Sussexes appear increasingly determined to recreate the optics of royal life without the responsibilities that come with it."

Experts noted that, while the Sussexes retain their titles and public profile, they do not have the authority to represent the monarch. > "Royal engagements aren't just photo-ops. There's diplomacy involved. Working royals represent the sovereign, strengthen relationships and serve the interests of the country," Schofield added.

The couple previously stepped back from royal duties in 2020 after a meeting with Queen Elizabeth II, who indicated that a "half in, half out" arrangement would not be permitted. Buckingham Palace confirmed that the queen’s correspondence affirmed the need to cease official responsibilities.

Commentators said the Nottingham visits place King Charles in a position where he may need to reaffirm the boundary set by the late queen. > "The Sussexes have not been given permission to behave like working royals, and yet they seem to have gone ahead with their own plans to recapture the spotlight in the U.K.," author Christopher Andersen said.

The Sussexes have issued a statement emphasizing a commitment to service, and a source told People magazine that they are "both excited to focus more on their work and the projects that matter to them." No comment was received from Buckingham Palace or the couple’s organization, Archewell, at the time of reporting.