PRINCE HARRY AND MEGHAN MARKLE FACE FIERCE BACKLASH AFTER REVEALING PLANS TO STEP AWAY FROM THE SPOTLIGHT

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have sparked a fresh wave of criticism after reports emerged that the couple plan to take a temporary break from public appearances to spend time with their children.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are reportedly preparing to keep a low profile for the next two weeks while enjoying the school half-term holiday with Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five.

However, what might have been seen as a quiet family decision has instead triggered a heated reaction among some royal commentators and social media users.

SUSSEXES FACE CRITICISM OVER LATEST MOVE

According to reports, the couple’s decision to step back temporarily comes amid renewed scrutiny of their public engagements and their relationship with the wider Royal Family.

Some online critics questioned why Harry and Meghan’s plans to avoid publicity had become news in the first place.

One social media user described the couple as “pathetic”, while others accused them of repeatedly seeking attention despite expressing a desire for privacy.

These comments reflect the views of individual critics rather than a broader measure of public opinion.

HARRY’S CAMP RAISES CONCERNS OVER ROYAL SCHEDULING

Meanwhile, a source close to the Sussexes reportedly defended Harry against suggestions that he deliberately schedules appearances to overshadow King Charles or Prince William.

The insider suggested that better communication about upcoming royal engagements could help prevent clashes between the Sussexes’ activities and those of senior working royals.

According to the source, Harry cannot avoid scheduling conflicts without sufficient advance notice of important royal events.

The source also argued that cancelling previously arranged charity engagements at short notice could disappoint the organisations involved.

The comments have renewed questions about communication between Harry’s household and the Royal Family.

MEGHAN’S FAMILY CONTROVERSY ADDS TO PRESSURE

The reports come as Meghan’s estranged father, Thomas Markle Sr, faces renewed scrutiny following serious allegations concerning material reportedly discovered at a former residence in the Philippines.

Mr Markle has denied possessing the material in question.

Separately, London’s Metropolitan Police confirmed that it had voluntarily referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct over its handling of a letter received in 2019.

The letter reportedly contained allegations relating to suspected offences outside the United Kingdom.

Police said the information had been forwarded to the Sussexes’ office but not shared with relevant overseas law enforcement agencies.

The referral concerns the Metropolitan Police’s handling of that information and does not establish the truth of the allegations.

A QUIET FAMILY BREAK AMID CONTINUING SCRUTINY

For Harry and Meghan, the reported two-week break offers an opportunity to spend time with Archie and Lilibet away from official engagements.

Yet the reaction to their plans highlights how even relatively ordinary family decisions can become controversial when the Sussexes are involved.

Whether their temporary retreat will ease public scrutiny remains uncertain, particularly as questions surrounding royal scheduling and Meghan’s wider family continue to attract attention.