Why Harry And Meghan’s Nottingham Visit ‘Had The Shape Of A Royal Event’, According To A Friend
Their recent visit reflected very much like a royal visit, complete with public walkabouts even though they stepped down from royal duties in 2020.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s had a reason for choosing Nottingham for their first joint engagement since returning to the UK. The couple drew widespread appreciation for putting up a united front and highlighting three important charitable causes. However, the visit had all the hallmarks of a traditional royal engagement, something friends of the couple say was not by design.
According to the Sussex camp, who made their opinion known to Alison Boshoff, Editor at Large at the Daily Mail, the event was successful because the public missed seeing Harry. "People want the old Harry, the Harry who they loved. This was a successful event with no narrative other than supporting the organizations," the friend said.
Nottingham holds a special place in the couple's hearts, as they began their life as the Sussexes in this very city back in 2017, right after their royal engagement. And further speaking on how the event came to resemble a royal-styled engagement, they said, "For security reasons it had the shape of a royal event, but that is because, ultimately, that is who they are."
The friends also indicated that the couple is more focused on shifting perceptions among less engaged individuals than on addressing critics, aiming for 'low-key' and 'respectful' public events. "That was a royal visit even if it wasn’t," one of Harry's friends highlighted. "They were delighted with the warm welcome.H is delighted." They are attempting to return gradually, seeking support through humility and hope, with no intention of provoking the King or causing annoyance, according to the friend of the couple who dismissed fears regarding royal implications.
"This sort of work is what makes Harry happy; it is in his DNA. It is nothing to do with relations with the Royal Family," the friend added.
Boshoff also opined that the Sussexes are reportedly pleased with their recent public engagements, feeling a significant increase in approval. Reportedly, Markle has started house hunting in the UK, with a budget of approximately $13 million, and the family intends to stay until their children, Archie and Lilibet, complete school, despite earlier indications of a temporary move. During this time, the Duchess plans to commute to the US to maintain her lifestyle label.
"I think we are going to see Meghan moving to look more actively at property soon. I know that they have an agent looking at what is available for them in terms of houses, and he is sending everything which might suit to their team to look at virtually. I think it’s about to go up a notch," one of the couple's friends disclosed.
As for their charities, the friend noted they aim to gain substantial support for causes and anticipate more similar events in the future.
