Harry and Meghan set to 'tear up Royal Family pact' and announce series of UK engagements

Emily Wright, Brigid Brown Sun, September 13, 2026 at 12:13 AM UTC

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Harry and Meghan are not happy with being referred to as private citizens and would like an upgrade (Image: Getty Images)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are poised to abandon their landmark "Megxit" deal with Buckingham Palace as they mount a bold comeback to public life in the U.K.

After a week of significant public controversy, a source with knowledge of the Sussexes' thinking has disclosed that the pair no longer consider themselves obligated to honor the Sandringham Agreement negotiated with the late queen in 2020.

The remarkable disclosure follows the Sussexes being left "surprised" by correspondence from the Lord Chamberlain, Lord Benyon, acting on behalf of King Charles. The instruction directed government officials, military commanders and lord-lieutenants to regard the couple exclusively as "private citizens," reports Daily Express UK.

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Responding to the Palace's directive, Harry and Meghan maintained they view themselves as "public figures." Sources with connections to the couple have now revealed why they are departing from the six-year-old arrangement, which removed their taxpayer-funded police security.

A source familiar with the Sussexes' position told The i Paper that they make a sharp distinction between honoring the late queen's personal principles and following palace protocols, asserting these represent "shared familial values."

According to a friend, Harry plans to go against his late grandmother's wishes and tear up the contract he signed with her (Image: Getty Images)

Taking aim at the Palace establishment, the source stated, "He's still the king's son. There's no getting away from that. They are working royals, but they don't work for the institution any longer."

The source also raised questions about the original agreement's continuing relevance, stating, "I'd be very keen to see what was codified at the time of the Sandringham Agreement. But it was at a time when the Duke and Duchess were still in receipt of public funds for security, and there was financial support from his father."

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The initial Sandringham Agreement mandated the couple uphold the Nolan Principles - binding them to steer clear of political controversy, maintain consistency with U.K. government foreign policy and keep commercial ventures separate from royal standing.

Nevertheless, the source familiar with the couple indicated Harry and Meghan now feel they possess complete liberty to comment on contentious international matters and publicly challenge world leaders, including President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

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Discussing the possibility of significant tension between Montecito and Buckingham Palace, the source remarked, "Is he going to start criticizing Donald Trump? I can't see that happening, but he can if he wants to. Harry has every right to, as you and I do."

Harry is already scheduling multiple prominent appearances throughout Britain, including functions for Save the Children, two Invictus Games commitments, and the annual WellChild Awards. Meanwhile, Meghan is helping the family transition into their new Cotswolds residence with children Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, while growing her As Ever lifestyle brand.

Yet the Duchess may also be considering a striking comeback to her previous profession. While a spokesperson for the couple declined to comment on speculation that she is in discussions for a role in the third season of Guy Ritchie's Netflix crime drama The Gentlemen, an insider close to her hinted, "A return to acting is very much on the cards."

The Express has contacted Buckingham Palace and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for comment.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”