The phrase reported in coverage is “persons who live overseas.” It was described as an oblique way courtiers might refer to Prince Harry and Meghan, not as a verified official or universal Palace nickname. The account is attributed to broadcaster Gyles Brandreth via Craig Brown’s book A Voyage Around the Queen.
What phrase was reportedly used?
In a passage attributed to Gyles Brandreth, courtiers are said to have referred to Harry and Meghan obliquely as “persons who live overseas” when the couple came up in conversation. AOL’s April 3, 2026 report says Brandreth’s account appears in Craig Brown’s A Voyage Around the Queen (AOL, April 3, 2026).
The wording quoted by AOL is: “These days, the names of Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, do not crop up very often in court circles,” Brandreth explained. “When they do, courtiers flinch almost imperceptibly and change the subject—or, if that’s not possible, refer to them obliquely as ‘persons who live overseas.’” AOL’s report presents this as Brandreth’s account through Brown’s book, rather than as a direct statement independently confirmed by the Palace.
Why “nickname” needs qualification
Calling the phrase a “cold nickname” makes for a dramatic headline, but the quoted wording is an indirect description, not an established, uniquely coined label. A Royal Observer headline characterized it as a “vicious nickname,” while its report also linked the phrase to Brandreth and Brown’s book (Royal Observer, August 29, 2024). The headline is stronger than the underlying phrase warrants.
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The available reports do not establish that this was an official, palace-wide, or current practice. They trace the account through secondary coverage of Brown’s book, rather than direct verification of the passage or of courtiers’ conduct.
Where the account comes from
Craig Brown’s A Voyage Around the Queen is the work identified in the coverage as the source of the anecdote. AOL’s 2026 report attributes the account to broadcaster Gyles Brandreth. Pakistan Today also reported the passage on August 29, 2024, describing the book as scheduled for release the following day (Pakistan Today, August 29, 2024). These reports establish a publication trail for the attribution, but do not independently verify the original book passage.
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AOL also attributes to David Albert Charles Armstrong-Jones, the second Earl of Snowdon, this observation from Brown’s book: “The royal family is quite good at blanking out anything unpleasant or uncomfortable.” That remark is likewise reported through the book; it should not be treated as proof of a family-wide response to Harry and Meghan.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the reports say about family responses
AOL says that, according to Brown’s book, the Sussexes’ names do not often come up in court circles. It also reports that relatives might respond, “We wish them all the best,” when the couple is mentioned. Those details are attributed descriptions in the same account, not independently confirmed statements of Palace policy or a consensus among royal relatives.
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