One insider compared Meghan Markle to Sarah Ferguson (Image: Getty)

Palace courtiers are gripped by anxiety over intensifying behind-the-scenes manoeuvres involving Prince Harry and Meghan Markle as the Sussexes increasingly trade on royal connections amid their business setbacks. One senior insider offered a tantalising 13-word warning to the Daily Mail: “A lot is going on behind the scenes that people don’t know about.” The fear centres on Meghan’s forthcoming appearance at a high-ticket Sydney women’s retreat next month, where fans will pay up to £1,705 for a “Meet Meghan” VIP experience featuring a group photo with the Duchess of Sussex and gala dinner.

One well-placed royal source likened the paid event to the money-making antics of Sarah Ferguson, declaring bluntly: “She’s basically Fergie.” The development revives memories of Queen Elizabeth II’s firm 2020 Sandringham ruling that barred the couple from “half-in, half-out” royal roles to prevent the monarchy being tainted by commercial conflicts. With Netflix and Spotify deals having collapsed and ventures like As Ever stalling, the Sussexes’ renewed push for reconciliation—and potentially restored taxpayer-funded security—has apparently left officials deeply unsettled.