Harry and Meghan face backlash over back to work announcement

They enjoyed the Christmas holidays in Canada with their baby son, Archie, but it’s back to reality for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, who have just announced their first official engagement of 2020.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are set to visit Canada House today to meet with the High Commissioner in Canada to the UK and “thank them for the warm hospitality and support they received during their recent stay in Canada”.

But the official announcement hasn’t gone down well with royal fans, with many calling it ‘ridiculous’ that the royal pair are visiting Canada House simply to express their gratitude for how they were treated on their personal holiday.

“Back to work??? Are we living in a real world here? The will go to thank them for their Holiday in Canada. You call that work?. Do they really think that people are stupid???!!?!,” one person tweeted.

“Why do they need to? I thought they were on a private holiday, away from it all. Also, does the visit to Canada House have to be an announced visit? Not sure what that adds,” another person said.

Another Twitter user called the announcement “totally weird: and said: “This is bordering ridiculous now”.

Jane Barr, who writes the From Berkshire to Buckingham blog believes the announcement is “absolutely bizarre” because the couple’s weren’t on tour in Canada.

“They did not publicly tour the country, greeted as they went, by throngs of well-wishers (for which a formal thank you would seem gracious). They were acting as private people, taking a private period of weeks away from the public, at a super luxe and very exclusive private home. They were like any other wealthy celebrity couple enjoying the holiday season,” she wrote.

Jane went on to say she think it’s a huge misstep on the Sussexes part to mix business with pleasure.

However Harry and Meghan fans were delighted that the royal couple were heading back to work, taking to Twitter to show their support for them.

“Well the Sussexes are kind, smart and generous people, so where is the problem if they want to visit Canada House to thank Canada for the support during their holiday?!,” one person tweeted.

“I can't wait to see Harry and Meghan tomorrow. I missed them so much!!!!,” another person said.

Harry and Meghan will also visit the Canada Gallery while they’re at Canada House and view a special exhibition by Indigenous Canadian artist, Skawennati.

Royal Christmas in Canada

The 35-year-old Duke of Sussex and 38-year-old Duchess of Sussex celebrated the festive season in the former British colony with their baby son Archie.

Former actor Meghan called Toronto home for several years while she filmed the TV show Suits and has a number of close pals in the area.

Among those is fellow star Janina Gavankar who snapped the family of three’s Christmas e-card and later slammed reports that the Duchess’ face had been Photoshopped.

Meghan’s mum Doria Ragland also flew in from her Los Angeles home to spend ‘private family time’ over Christmas with the Sussexes.

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