The whispers in royal circles are growing louder as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s latest endeavors stir up old questions about their ties to the monarchy.

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Tensions flared again after a letter bearing the couple’s crowned monogram recently surfaced (Image: Getty)

The Royal Family is starting the year filled with renewed concern over Prince William’s younger brother and sister-in-law as their latest moves revive the question long-thought of as settled – whether Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are truly out of royal life or still trading on its trappings.

OK! has reported the Firm’s worries has been sparked by the Sussexes’ continued use of royal styling and their plans to resume high-profile overseas visits – dubbed “faux royal tours” by critics – throughout 2026 and 2027, despite having stepped back as senior working royals in January 2020.

Since relocating to California, Harry, 41, and Meghan, 44, have undertaken trips to countries including Colombia and Nigeria that have also been sneeringly described as “quasi-royal tours,” while also building commercial ventures that prominently feature the Sussex title.

Australia trip plans is ‘problematic’

This is the next time Meghan and Harry will be at a royal event

Tensions flared again after a letter bearing the couple’s crowned monogram recently surfaced publicly.

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.

Prince Harry and Meghan appear at Oprah Winfrey book launch event

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.