The Royal Family has ushered in the new year with renewed concern regarding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Their recent actions have rekindled the long-settled debate over whether they have truly distanced themselves from royal life or continue to capitalize on its prestige.

According to OK!, the Firm is alarmed by the Sussexes’ ongoing use of royal titles and their ambitious plans for high-profile international visits, sarcastically referred to as “faux royal tours” by their critics, scheduled through 2026 and 2027. This comes despite their decision to step back as senior working royals in January 2020.

Since their move to California, Harry and Meghan have embarked on trips to countries like Colombia and Nigeria, which some have mockingly dubbed “quasi-royal tours.” At the same time, they are developing business ventures that prominently showcase their Sussex title, further fueling the debate.

Australia trip plans is ‘problematic’

The situation intensified when a letter featuring the couple’s crowned monogram surfaced. The correspondence, addressed to Australian psychologist Angela Pearl, expressed gratitude for her participation in an unspecified event and hinted at aspirations of returning to Australia.

The note, sent to Australian psychologist Angela Pearl thanking her for participation in an unspecified event, referenced hopes of returning to Australia.

A post from Pearl’s account containing the letter was later deleted, but its appearance reignited concern inside royal circles, states the report.

A source said: “Harry and Meghan have begun speaking quite freely about returning to Australia, framing it as something they still need to complete or reclaim.

Another insider said the couple now sees the trip as a priority as part of their “royal” trips schedule.

Royal family has a leader

William has already shown how he is set to lead the monarchy by playing a pivotal behind-the-scenes role in supporting his father King Charles, 77, in the removal of royal titles from ex-Prince Andrew, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor due to the scandals that are still erupting over his associations with pedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

One insider said: “The real issue is how it all looks. Any visit would almost certainly be staged and received with the trappings of officialdom, regardless of the reality of Harry and Meghan’s status.”

Harry’s recent visit to Canada coincided with William’s trip to Brazil for the Earthshot Prize, leading to frustration inside palace communications teams.

Insiders say William was instrumental in supporting a tougher stance against his uncle, 65, and many believe the Sussexes’ recent actions have only hardened his resolve to become a tough monarch when it comes to clamping down on the excesses of the monarchy.