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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly taking two weeks off from public appearances. They’ll spend the half-term break with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The news came as some royal watchers question their recent appearances and media strategy. A source close to Harry told The Times that he doesn’t want to take attention away from King Charles or Prince William.

Charles is currently on a nine-day Caribbean tour. The insider said Harry needs “decent foresight” about upcoming royal events. That way, he can avoid clashes with the family’s schedule. The source also mentioned their October 15 visit to Nottingham.

Harry and Markle stopped by Community Recording Studio, Himmah Hub, and Epic Partners. The insider stated that canceling the visit at the last minute would have disappointed the charities. “He [Prince Harry] can only mitigate against clashes if information is shared with him in advance,” the source said.

The comment raised questions about how much advance notice Harry gets. According to The Express, the couple’s reported break has sparked reactions on X. “Time to rebrand again. These two are pathetic,” one user wrote. Another added, “It’s impossible for her to stay quiet.” 

A third questioned why the couple has to make a press statement, asking, “Who on the planet has to make a press statement that they’re not going to make press statements… honestly how conceited.” Former royal protection chief Dai Davies has also spoken out about Harry and Markle’s media activity and security. 

Speaking to TalkTV host Kevin O’Sullivan, he said, “I’ve said many times on your program and others, if they just kept quiet and just got on with it, if they want to do a few charities and cook cakes, then get on with it.” He also claimed the Sussexes regularly speak to their preferred media outlets. 

“But it seems to me, ever since they’ve arrived, they haven’t stopped briefing their favorite people. That includes Hello!, some TV companies, and royal editors. They seem to be doing it almost every week,” he said. 

Davies also questioned why taxpayers should pay for their security. “I don’t buy that,” he noted. “I’ve always said you and I shouldn’t have to pay for it.” He added, “They don’t deserve it. But if they keep doing this, they’ll keep drawing attention to themselves.” 

Davies wrapped up by saying, “There’s a smell coming out of this.” Harry’s security has been an issue since 2020. That’s when he and Markle stepped back from royal duties. The couple lost their automatic taxpayer-funded police protection after leaving their royal roles. 

Harry later challenged the decision in court. However, he lost twice. The High Court rejected his claim in February 2024. The Court of Appeal also dismissed his challenge in May 2025. The issue came up again after the Sussexes returned to Britain in August 2026. 

According to ITV News, RAVEC agreed to review their security arrangements on September 14. Harry had already undergone a security assessment in July. However, officials didn’t know he was planning to move his family back to Britain. 

Markle was also due for her first assessment since 2020. But this doesn’t mean the couple will automatically get taxpayer-funded protection again. RAVEC still needs to assess the risks before making a decision. The government has yet to confirm whether their previous protection will be restored.

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