Royal Insiders ‘Appalled’ After Sussex Camp Dismisses ‘Half In, Half Out’ Row: ‘It’s Unforgivable’

One of the Sussexes' close friends has insisted that the couple is fully aware of their actions and is choosing to do what they like.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s recent outing in Nottingham was their first joint engagement since an unexpected homecoming in August. Six years after the Sandringham Summit, where Queen Elizabeth II had strictly forbidden the Duke and the Duchess from adopting the 'half-in, half-out' approach, a friend of the couple claimed they remain unaffected by accusations of attempting to resume royal duties stealthily. This statement from the Sussex camp has apparently not gone down well within the royal circles. 

"It doesn't trouble them. They never agreed they wouldn't be half in, half out. That was what was decided and foisted upon them. They're just living their lives, and they can, because they're financially independent," a close friend had exclusively told HELLO! This turnaround has drawn criticism from a close friend of the royal family and a confidant of the late queen. “The idea that you would ask the Queen to sign a contract with a member of her family is absolutely disgusting, but it’s entirely what we have come to expect from these two. It’s unforgivable," the close friend told The Royalist. A former courtier loyal to King Charles expressed dismay, stating, "I am appalled to hear this."

The reaction shows how divisive the 2020 arrangement remains in royal circles.

In 2020, the Sussexes thanked the royal family for its support. Their statement clarified that they would step back from royal duties, including military appointments, but would retain private patronages and associations with the Queen's blessing. The King recently backed the late Queen's stance, clarifying in a letter that Harry and Markle should be regarded as private citizens, with their charitable work as personal endeavors.

The message, conveyed by Lord Chamberlain Lord Benyon, stated that their position is similar to that of private citizens with commercial and charitable interests, even though the couple reportedly prefers to be recognized as "public figures." Meanwhile, another one of the Sussexes' close friends has insisted that the couple is fully aware of their actions and is choosing to do what they like.

"There is no confusion – on their part – about why they’re doing these sorts of engagements,” the friend told news.com.au exclusively. It’s very simple. They are doing what they want, when they want, how they want. They aren’t taxpayer-funded like others, so why shouldn’t they live their lives the way they choose?" Harry and Markle had already tested out the blueprint of their future "half-in, half-out" engagements while successfully touring Australia this year. The couple’s camp has consistently framed their activity as a matter of personal choice rather than royal duty

They are expected to make more appearances like this in the future.