Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly taking steps to establish their version of a royal household in the United States, a move that has raised eyebrows and sparked criticism from royal experts. According to GB News, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are building a “royal household structure” at their Montecito mansion, modeled on the hierarchical system found in King Charles III’s official residences.
The couple, who stepped down as senior working royals in 2020, have reportedly hired staff in line with this model. The decision has drawn sharp commentary from royal biographer and expert Tom Bower, who warned that such a move could further damage their already strained ties with the British monarchy—and may ultimately jeopardize their royal titles.
“Undoubtedly, the Sussexes would like to rule over a ‘royal court’ from their Montecito mansion,” Bower stated. “Competing with Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace would delight Meghan. But what the Sussexes have assembled is not a ‘royal court.'” Bower claimed that Harry and Meghan’s staff consists of an “expensive group of bureaucrats,” suggesting that this is a “final, desperate bid to save their brand.”
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He contrasted the Sussexes’ reported household with the traditional royal institutions in the UK, saying, “Buckingham Palace’s ‘royal court’ are underpaid, over-worked, devoted loyal professionals committed to the traditions of a thousand-year monarchy and the country they serve.” The couple’s ongoing efforts to carve out a public identity independent of the British Royal Family have consistently stirred debate, especially given their high-profile projects, from Netflix documentaries to memoirs and podcasts.
Bower also issued a stark warning to Prince Harry about the potential long-term consequences of commercializing his royal connections. “If Harry follows Meghan to commercialise his title to earn some dollars,” Bower cautioned, “then his currently minimal chance of reconciliation and return to Britain will be extinguished.”
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The royal expert’s remarks add to the growing chorus of criticism facing the Sussexes as they continue to navigate life outside the traditional royal fold. Though the couple remains popular with many of their supporters around the world, their perceived attempts to mirror royal protocol abroad may further deepen the rift with Buckingham Palace.
As speculation grows over their intentions and future moves, one thing remains clear: the divide between the Sussexes and the institution they left behind shows little sign of healing anytime soon.