UK Foreign Office Distances Itself From Sussex Jordan Trip
The UK Foreign Office has sought to clarify its position after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were criticised for meeting the British ambassador during a two-day visit to Jordan focused on humanitarian work. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex undertook engagements in Amman after travelling at the invitation of World Health Organisation director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Express reported that a source with inside knowledge of the trip said British ambassador Mr Phillip Hall did not invite the Sussexes to an Iftar reception at his residence, and that the invitation was extended to Dr Tedros, who then brought the couple as his guests.
The report said the Foreign Office declined to comment publicly, but the source “insisted” the British Government was not involved in arranging or facilitating the trip because the Sussexes are private citizens. Former Conservative minister Mr Tim Loughton was quoted as calling it “entirely inappropriate” for the couple to be hosted by the ambassador, arguing it could be seen as giving them an official platform.
The clarification comes as the Sussexes continue to draw attention for overseas appearances since stepping back from royal duties, with Britpop News previously reporting on their Jordan engagements alongside WHO officials amid wider royal controversy.
In a statement cited in the report, the Sussexes said they joined WHO officials and embassy staff for Iftar “with a renewed sense of urgency and resolve”, as debate continues over how their international work intersects with UK diplomatic settings.
