The British Government has sought to distance itself from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's recent visit to Jordan, following revelations that the couple attended an event at the British Ambassador's residence in Amman.
Officials at the Foreign Office have refused to provide any comment regarding the two-day Middle Eastern trip.
Sources familiar with the visit have clarified that Ambassador Phillip Hall did not extend a direct invitation to Harry and Meghan for the Iftar reception, which marks the evening meal breaking the Ramadan fast.
The Sussexes had announced in their own press statement that they "joined World Health Organisation officials and Embassy staff at the British Ambassador's residence for Iftar as day one closed with a renewed sense of urgency and resolve".
The British Government has sought to distance itself from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's recent visit to Jordan, following revelations that the couple attended an event at the British Ambassador's residence in Amman.
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It is understood that the invitation to the Ambassador's reception had actually been extended to Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the World Health Organization's Director-General, who subsequently brought the Duke and Duchess along as his personal guests.
A source with knowledge of the arrangements has maintained that the British Government played no role in organising or supporting the Sussexes' trip, emphasising their status as "private citizens".
One royal insider described the couple's appearance at the diplomatic reception as an "intriguing" element of their Jordan visit.
The source noted: "Once again, British diplomats are involved."
The Sussexes had announced in their own press statement that they "joined World Health Organisation officials and Embassy staff at the British Ambassador's residence for Iftar as day one closed with a renewed sense of urgency and resolve".
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The trip also saw Harry and Meghan fail to secure meetings with Jordan's King, Queen and Crown Prince during their time in the country.
Former Conservative minister Tim Loughton has condemned the Sussexes' presence at the Ambassador's residence as "entirely inappropriate" given their insistence on being treated as private citizens.
Mr Loughton told the Daily Mail: "They are not working royals and do not represent the British Government or UK PLC.
The trip also saw Harry and Meghan fail to secure meetings with Jordan's King, Queen and Crown Prince during their time in the country.
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"Given their capacity to say unhelpful things which border on political, giving them an official platform could be construed as them saying something that represents official UK policy."
The former minister argued that while embassy assistance with security matters and neutral briefings would be acceptable, anything that provides a platform for the couple crosses a line.
"It would be legitimate for the embassy to assist on security issues and neutral briefing but not anything that platforms them on what should clearly be seen as a private visit by private individuals," he added.
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