Prince Harry and Meghan urged to ‘step back from engagements’ – ‘not achieving anything’

The strained relationship between Meghan Markle and her estranged father has once again put the Sussexes under the spotlight. But with the latest developments adding further pressure, could Prince Harry and Meghan be facing an unexpected turning point? And why are calls for the couple to step back from public engagements growing louder now?...SEE THE NEXT PAGES for more... Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been urged to take a step back from engagements due to the fallout from the Duchess of Sussex's father's arrest.Thomas Markle Snr, whom Meghan has been estranged from for many years, was arrested and charged last week in connection with allegations involving purported child sex abuse material, which he has called "sick lies". The 82-year-old, who has been living in the Philippines for a few years, has not seen his youngest daughter in many years and has never met his son-in-law, Prince Harry, and his two youngest grandchildren, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Meghan made her first public appearance since her father's arrest on Tuesday, with the couple stepping out at the opening of the Lost Screen Memorial at the European Parliament. Whilst Harry delivered a speech, Meghan had opted out of joining him just hours before as she didn't feel "strong enough". Although not opposed to the couple's work, broadcaster Esther Krakue said she feels Harry and Meghan should take a step back. "They should probably take a break from a lot of these social engagements that I don't really think are achieving anything," she recently told News24. Meghan has only made two public appearances since their shock return to the UK in August, with the mother of two opting to focus on settling their children into their new home and school instead. Despite this, she has been working on her brand, As Ever, with a new launch released earlier this month. US-based royal expert Marlene Koenig has said she believes the royals will show compassion for Meghan at this upsetting time. She said: "There may be some sympathy for Meghan within the Royal Family, but that does not mean doors will open for either of them." The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are thought to be living somewhere in the Cotswolds with their two children. It remains unknown how long the couple plan to stay in the UK, although they will reportedly spend their first Christmas in the UK since 2018. SOURCE: Express