Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, concluded a two-day visit to Amman, Jordan, on Monday, sparking criticism from some observers who questioned the purpose of the trip. The couple travelled 7,500 miles at the invitation of the World Health Organization (WHO) to highlight humanitarian efforts supporting refugees, according to reports.
Sky News contributor Adrian Hayes characterized the visit as primarily a public relations exercise. “I think anything to do with the Sussexes is you’ve got to seem at as PR and publicity,” Hayes stated. He described Meghan as “a very fame-obsessed woman and her husband in tow,” adding that the couple’s motivations were “very strange.”
The visit comes as the couple continues to pursue independent ventures following their decision to step back from royal duties in 2020. Britannica reports that Meghan Markle transitioned from an acting career, notably in the television series Suits, to becoming the Duchess of Sussex through her marriage to Prince Harry in May 2018.
Hayes also suggested a competitive dynamic between the Sussexes and the Prince and Princess of Wales. “There’s a PR battle going on between the Sussexes and the Prince and Princess of Wales, [which] sort of stems from the Sussexes,” he said, adding that any actions taken by Harry and Meghan should be “taken with a pinch of salt.”
Prince Harry previously hinted at a potential return to the United Kingdom with his family, according to a report from Page Six. Whereas attending the WellChild Awards in London last September, he reportedly discussed the benefits of the British school system and the importance of community for children with singer Joss Stone, who recently relocated back to the UK with her family. Stone told Hello! magazine that Harry appeared “genuinely interested” in her experience of settling back into life in the UK.
The couple currently resides in Montecito, California, with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, after a brief period in Los Angeles and Canada following their departure from royal life. The Telegraph provides ongoing coverage of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s activities.
As of Monday afternoon, neither the WHO nor representatives for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have responded to requests for further comment regarding the specifics of their engagements in Jordan or future plans.
