it appears that the Sussexes have taken issue with being labelled as "private citizens" with The Telegraph reporting: "The duke is understood to have taken particular issue with the notion that
"The Sussexes prefer the term 'public figures',
I've been mulling this over trying to make some sense of it (foolish, I know But, why do they want to be known as "public figures? Whatbenefit dothey think it will bring them? From a quick google it would appear that they.have just opened themselves up to the possibility of greater invasion of their person lives!!The US apparently has a legal definition of what a public figure is and it directly affects libel and slander laws. The UK doesn't have such rigid definitions apparently but if a person is considered a public figure then it is more likely that stories about them could be considered to be in the public interest!! I'll post thelINKS i found. I make no claim to have legal knowledge but I was just interested to know why they want that label.
Us public figures public figure | Wex | US Law | LII / Legal Information Institute https://share.google/HC9t8u8qtO6KNcs4h
In United States law, a public figure is a person of prominent fame, notoriety, or societal influence who must meet a much harder legal test to win a defamation (libel or slander) lawsuit than an ordinary private citizen. [1] (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_figure)According to the Legal Information Institute at Cornell, this definition comes directly from landmark Supreme Court rulings protecting free speech and a free press under the First Amendment. [1] (www.law.cornell.edu/wex/public_figure), [2] (www.chicagobusinesslawfirm.com/services/defamation/public-figures-vs-private-figures-which-one-are-you/), [3] (lsd.law/define/public-figure)Types of Public FiguresAll-Purpose Public Figure: Someone with pervasive, widespread fame or notoriety in society (such as major movie stars, famous athletes, or top politicians). They are considered a public figure in all contexts. [1] (dictionary.law.com/Default.aspx?selected=1681), [2] (legal-resources.uslegalforms.com/a/all-purpose-public-figure), [3] (lsd.law/define/all-purpose-public-figure), [4] (www.law.cornell.edu/wex/public_figure)Limited-Purpose Public Figure: Someone who voluntarily steps into the spotlight or thrusts themselves into the middle of a specific public controversy to try and influence its outcome. They are only a public figure regarding that specific topic. [1] (legal-resources.uslegalforms.com/p/public-figure), [2] (definitions.uslegal.com/p/public-figure/), [3] (www.law.cornell.edu/wex/public_figure)Public Official: Government employees or elected officials who hold a position of public trust and authority. They face similar high legal burdens as public figures. [1] (www.chicagobusinesslawfirm.com/services/defamation/public-figures-vs-private-figures-which-one-are-you/), [2] (legal-resources.uslegalforms.com/p/public-figure)The Legal Rule: Actual MaliceIf a private citizen sues someone for making a false, damaging statement, they usually only have to prove negligence (that the person failed to act with reasonable care). [1] (latenightlaw.com/blog/defamation-law-who-is-a-public-figure/)However, under the Public Figure Doctrine in Defamation Law, a public figure suing for defamation must prove actual malice. Actual malice means the person who published the statement either: [1] (legal-resources.uslegalforms.com/p/public-figure-doctrine), [2] (latenightlaw.com/blog/defamation-law-who-is-a-public-figure/), [3] (dictionary.findlaw.com/definition/public-figure.html)Knew the statement was completely false.Acted with a reckless disregard for the truth (meaning they had serious doubts but published it anyway). [1] (lsd.law/define/public-figure), [2] (legal-resources.uslegalforms.com/p/public-figure-doctrine)If you'd like, let me know:Are you looking at a specific legal case?Do you want to know how a limited-purpose public figure is decided?LII | Legal Information Institutepublic figure | Wex | US Law | LII / Legal Information InstituteAccording to Gertz v. Robert Welch, a public figure is an individual who has assumed roles of especial prominence in the affairs of a society or thrust themselv...WikipediaPublic figure - WikipediaA public figure is a person who has achieved fame, prominence or notoriety within a society, whether through achievement, luck, action, or in some cases through...www.chicagobusinesslawfirm.comPublic Figures vs. Private Figures: Which one are you? - DiTommaso LubinThe Supreme Court has defined public figures as those who hold government office and those who have achieved a role of special prominence in the affairs of soci...US Legal FormsPublic Figure Doctrine: Understanding Legal ImplicationsDefinition & meaning The public figure doctrine is a legal principle that requires individuals who are considered public figures to demonstrate actual malice wh...New Mexico Defamation AttorneyPublic Figure Doctrine in Defamation LawA plaintiff whom the courts consider to be a “public figure” must meet a higher evidentiary standard to show that defamation has occurred: they must show that t...LSD.LawWhat is public figure? Simple Definition & Meaning - LSD.Law12 May 2026 — Definition of public figure In legal terms, a public figure refers to an individual who has achieved widespread fame or notoriety, or who has voluntarily placed...Law.com Legal Dictionarypublic figure - Legal Dictionary | Law.comn. in the law of defamation (libel and slander), a personage of great public interest or familiarity like a government official, politician, celebrity, business...US Legal FormsAll-Purpose Public Figure: Legal Definition ExplainedDefinition & meaning An all-purpose public figure is an individual who has gained widespread recognition or notoriety, making them a public figure in various co...FindLawPublic Figure - FindLaw Dictionary of Legal Termspublic figure n. : an individual or entity that has acquired fame or notoriety or has participated in a particular public controversy see also limited purpose p...US Legal FormsPublic Figure: Understanding Legal Definitions and ImplicationsComparison with Related Terms. Term. Definition. Private Figure. A person who does not have significant public interest; lower standard of proof in defamation c...USLegal, Inc.Public Figure Law and Legal Definition | USLegal, Inc.A public figure is a person of great public interest or fame, such as a politician, celebrity, or sports hero. The term usually used in the context of libel and...LSD.LawWhat is all-purpose public figure? Simple Definition & Meaning15 Apr 2026 — Legal Definitions - all-purpose public figure ... An all-purpose public figure is an individual who has achieved such pervasive fame or notoriety that they are ...