King Charles III expresses love for Harry and Meghan as they ‘continue to build their lives overseas’

The newly crowned King Charles III expressed his love for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in his first public address since the death of the Queen Elizabeth II, who had a frosty relationship with the pair.

But the manner in which he addressed them ignited speculation across social media about the controversial couple’s future under his rule, reports Fox News.

Charles delivered the video address to his nation and the commonwealth on Friday, where spoke of his mother’s legacy as Britain’s longest reigning monarch. She died at the age of 96.

He then touted members of the Royal Family, including his son Prince Harry and Markle, his American wife who became the Duchess of Sussex after their marriage at Windsor Castle in May 2018.

She has been controversial, believed to be behind the couple’s departure from royal duties in 2020. The former queen also denied their attempt from using the lucrative “Sussex Royal” brand they had attempted to trademark.

"I want to also express my love for Harry and Meghan, as they continue to build their lives overseas," Charles said before moving on to his next point.

Social media users were quick to weigh in on what the short mention meant for Markle under the new king’s reign. Many were happy to hear him acknowledge the American-born royal, who TMZ reported was not invited to the queen’s side as she lay on her deathbed.

But others pointed out that the new king did not use Harry and Meghan’s royal titles – Duke and Duchess of Sussex – as he had with Prince William and his wife, Kate Middleton.

"Did he really not refer to them as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex? Did he say Prince Harry and Meghan Markle? This is why I don’t like this man he’s insidious. Even if it was written that way he should have changed it in his speech," wrote one critic, according to Fox News.

Charles also used the speech to announce his son William will have the title of prince of Wales, the one he held before becoming king.

The title is traditionally borne by the heir to the throne. As William’s spouse, Middleton will now hold the title of princess of Wales.

Critics of Markle also read into Charles’ reference to her and Harry’s life overseas as a royal snub – a wish the couple would stay away from Britain.

“Haha. I loved Charles’s speech. Basically, he told Harry & Megan to peace out!” said one user.