Prince Harry, Meghan Markle accused of staging 'royal theatre' as King Charles faces new dilemma: expert

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are being accused of playing royals on their own terms — and sidestepping the late Queen Elizabeth II's wishes in the process.

On Oct. 15, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are scheduled to visit Nottingham for their first joint public appearance since returning to the U.K., Fox News Digital confirmed. The city holds special significance for the couple, as it was the first place they visited after announcing their engagement in November 2017.

Kinsey Schofield, host of the YouTube show "Kinsey Schofield Unfiltered," told Fox News Digital that, based on her sources, "there is frustration" inside Buckingham Palace as Harry and Meghan prepare to visit several charities in a manner resembling an official royal engagement.

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"Harry and Meghan are no longer working members of the royal family," Schofield said. "King Charles recently reminded his government that the Sussexes are private citizens. The Sussexes appear increasingly determined to recreate the optics of royal life without the responsibilities that come with it. … The charitable visits, the appearances, the photographers. Its royal theatre without royal authority."

"Royal engagements aren't just photo opps," Schofield said. "There's diplomacy involved. There's soft power. Working royals represent the sovereign, strengthen relationships and serve the interests of the country. Harry and Meghan appear more interested in faking the image of royalty than embracing its purpose. They can imitate the engagement, but they can't replicate the authority or constitutional significance."

"They are pushing to reclaim the spotlight they left behind," British broadcaster Helena Chard told Fox News Digital. "It's definitely a reboot — a pseudo royal reboot."

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In January 2020, drew a firm line at the Sandringham Summit: There would be no "half in, half out" role for the Sussexes. They couldn't remain working members of the royal family while pursuing independent, income-generating ventures. The couple stepped back from royal duties that year, citing intrusive coverage by the British press and a lack of support from the palace.

"Following conversations with the duke, the queen has written confirming that in stepping away from the work of the royal family it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service," Buckingham Palace said in a statement on Feb. 19, 2021.

In response, the couple issued a statement of their own, saying: "We can all live a life of service. Service is universal."

In Nottingham, the couple will focus on charitable work. People magazine reported that they will visit a food bank, where Meghan intends to reconnect with some of the women she supported at the Hubb Community Kitchen in London. As a working royal, Meghan helped produce "Together: Our Community Cookbook," which featured recipes from women associated with the kitchen.

The outlet also reported that they will visit the Community Recording Studio, which helps young people affected by violence, and spend time at Epic Partners, which supports young people through mentoring and sports.

Although Harry and Meghan are free to support charities as private citizens, their visits are not official royal engagem