Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's statement detailing the royal agreement on life away from the monarchy 'indicates the pair are very unhappy with the deal', experts claim.
The couple published a lengthy post on their Sussex Royal website outlining the deal they struck with the Queen but experts say the pair are bitter about restrictions being placed on them.
Richard Fitzwilliams, royal expert and commentator, said even the act of publishing the longer statement on their website was a telltale sign of their hostility.
He said: "It is completely unnecessary to add that. Simply because it underlines their differences with the palace in a way that is avoidable."
Here we take a look at what the main paragraphs – from not using 'Sussex Royal' to keeping their patronages – really mean.
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Seeking work elsewhere
What the statement says: "While there is precedent for other titled members of the Royal Family to seek employment outside of the institution, for The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, a 12-month review period has been put in place.
"Per the agreement The Duke and Duchess of Sussex understand that they are required to step back from Royal duties and not undertake representative duties on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen."
In the announcement, the Sussexes told of a 12-month review period on Megxit but in the sour message the pair highlight such a measure hasn't been placed upon for other royals.
Mr Fitzwilliams said the statement could suggest the couple believe they are being treated differently to other royals, such as Princess Beatrice and Queen Elizabeth II's eldest grandson Peter Phillips, who are both permitted to earn their own money – with no review of their circumstances.
He told The Sun online: "It isn’t clear why, because Harry’s military appointments are being kept open and it only makes sense to see how this arrangement works after a year.
"Their behaviour is completely unprecedented."
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Sussex Royal
What the statement says: "While there is not any jurisdiction by The Monarchy or Cabinet Office over the use of the word 'Royal' overseas, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex do not intend to use 'Sussex Royal' or any iteration of the word 'Royal' in any territory (either within the UK or otherwise) when the transition occurs Spring 2020."
Other royal commentators have blasted the couple for their "spiteful" statement after the Queen prevented them from using the word "royal" for their branding after they step back from duties.
According to Mr Fitzgerald, the contradicting comment makes it clear they don't like the deal.
He said: "The idea of putting out a statement which agrees that they can't use the word royal but contradicts the idea the monarchy can stop them using it,' he said, 'they're basically saying the royals can't stop them using it, but they won't be using it'.
"It has been especially unnecessary to underline it in this way, especially as the agreement will be reviewed after a year.
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"It simply empathises the division that we know that's there. The tone they've taken is that they are unhappy, they've made it clear every step of the way."
News of the ban on the use of "royal" was a blow for the Duke and Duchess who have already spent thousands of pounds on trademark branding. The Queen drafted in top lawyers to enforce the rule on the pair.
In light of the restriction, applications to use the trademark on merchandise such as clothes, books and stationary were cancelled.
Meghan complained to her close friends about the Sussex Royal name ban, saying "shouldn't even be an issue in the first place and it's not like they want to be in the business of selling T-shirts and pencils".
They added: "Meghan said she's done with the drama and has no room in her life for naysayers, and the same goes for Harry."
Royal duties
What the statement says: "It was agreed that The Duke and Duchess will no longer be able to formally carry out ‘official duties’ for The Queen or represent The Commonwealth, but they will, however, be allowed to maintain their patronages (including those that are classified as ‘royal’ patronages)."
While the couple won't represent the Queen on "official duties" anymore, the word 'allowed' hints that the monarch has given her permission for them to retain their patronages.
The couple have been given many high-profile patronages from the Queen since their wedding in 2018, with Meghan being made Royal Patron of the National Theatre at the start of last year.
However, Nica Burns – who co-owns The Nimax Group, which comprises six London West End theatres – says the former Suits actress has until Easter to prove she can still do the job.
She said: "I think we should give Meghan until Easter to say what she thinks is possible with her patronage.'
"We have to give her a chance, forget who she is and give her some space.
"If she is not going to be doing any work with the National, then she should step down. But as she is a role model, we would rather she didn't."
Security
What the statement says: "It is agreed that The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will continue to require effective security to protect them and their son.
"This is based on The Duke’s public profile by virtue of being born into The Royal Family, his military service, the Duchess’ own independent profile, and the shared threat and risk level documented specifically over the last few years.
"No further details can be shared as this is classified information for safety reasons."
Scotland Yard will continue to provide protection to the couple but it's not yet known who will pick up the bill.
The annual bill is estimated to cost anywhere between £3m and £6m – and polls have consistently shown the British public aren't keen to pick up the tab.
Becoming financially independent
What the statement says: "The Royal Family respect and understand the wish of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex to live a more independent life as a family, by removing the supposed ‘public interest’ justification for media intrusion into their lives.
"They remain a valued part of Her Majesty’s family."
In another section of the statement, the couple hammer-home their wish to choose "what they do and don't do".
In becoming financially independent, withdrawing from the public eye and splitting time in Canada, the couple hope to escape some of the media scrutiny.
The Duke and Duchess will no longer be part of the Royal Rota system that provides UK and broadcast media with exclusive titles and access to official engagements of members of the Royal Family.
Mr Fitzgerald said their emphasis on this follows the birth of their son Archie which intensified the couple's desire for privacy. Meghan has also fallen victim to negative press coverage, prompting Prince Harry to compare the press' treatment of his wife to that of his mother.
Mr Fitzwilliams said: "They want to choose what they do and what they don’t do and, which caused problems after Archie was born, what is private and what is not.
"How Archie grows up for example and where. Now they obviously can but not as working members of the royal family and not using their titles."
The couple's new roles will begin in Spring this year.
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