Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have recently faced claims from royal fans that they were booed during a visit to Germany.
A video circulating online appears to show the couple being subjected to boos from a crowd.
However, upon closer inspection, it becomes evident that the event was attended by a small, paid audience who were instructed to take out their phones and capture pictures and videos.
This setup is reminiscent of the paid crowd at the One Young event.
The Sussexes arrived at the Dusseldorf Rathaus town hall in Germany for an Invictus Games event.
They were warmly greeted by the town’s Mayor, Secretary of State Moller Brigadier Marstaller, and General Lotbunthal.
These public engagements have been compared to a royal tour, complete with red carpets and photo walkabouts.
Despite being classified as private citizens rather than royals by German police, the couple received the red carpet treatment.
Royal biographer Angela Levin expressed her confusion on Twitter, questioning why Harry and Meghan were being treated like heads of state in Germany.
She emphasized that they are now ordinary citizens who solely represent themselves, which is what Harry wanted.
Levin believes that countries should adjust their behavior accordingly.
While the visit is considered private, precautions have been taken to ensure a smooth experience.
A source confirmed that consultations have taken place, plans have been adjusted, and both the couple’s security teams and the police are involved.
The primary objective is to showcase the city and avoid any incidents or mishaps.
The timing of Harry and Meghan’s visit coincides with a busy week for the royal family.
Queen Elizabeth has accepted Boris Johnson’s resignation as Prime Minister and invited Liz Truss to form a new government.
Additionally, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, have started their first term at Lambroke School in Berkshire.
Hannah Furness, royal editor at The Telegraph, argues that the Sussexes’ trip has a distinctly royal feel.
She points out that their activities align with the Queen’s approach of choosing worthy causes and individuals to honor with a royal visit.
During a reception at the town hall, Prince Harry delivered a speech expressing his excitement for the upcoming Invictus Games against the backdrop of the River Rhine.
He shared his joy in hearing the roar of the crowds, feeling the adrenaline of the competition, and experiencing the range of emotions that come with witnessing lives being transformed.
Harry even began his speech with a few words in German, which garnered applause from the audience.
In a lighthearted moment, Harry jokingly asked the attendees if the beer in Dusseldorf was better than that in Cologne, receiving enthusiastic applause and nods of agreement.
The couple’s visit to Germany has certainly generated attention and sparked discussions about their status as private citizens and their continued association with the royal family.