There really is only one thing Prince Harry can do now, according to analysis by Deputy Royal Editor Rebecca Russell. Prince William might even thank him one day. Perhaps not, but it could spark the ember that eventually crackles and glows into a much-needed success.
The suggestion is silence – absolute rigid and dutiful silence. A complete and utter absence of noise and distraction, an absence from the drama and one-upmanship that seems to have become the byword for how the Sussexes operate.
A Return to the UK
The Duke and Duchess may be coming back to Harry's homeland any day now, ready to enrol Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet into school. The real test won't be whether they see an upturn in their popularity, but whether they can finally master the art of vanishing into the background.
Sources have made it clear that Harry will stop firing rounds of accusations at his family in public and has even apparently placed a self-imposed ban on giving television interviews. The question remains whether he will be able to say nothing about his family as sources have promised.
Brothers' Broken Bond
Nowhere will scepticism run colder than in Prince William's camp. The Prince of Wales is taking a wide berth of his brother's news, as the ship of forgiveness hasn't just sailed – it's halfway around the world by now.
Harry's attacks may have left a deep, visceral wound on the Royal Family, but the even deeper scar they've left on the brothers' once-close bond cannot be overstated. No amounts of saintly silences or obedient media blackouts will undo the years of hurt, the poisonous revelations or the callous attacks on the Princess of Wales.
After the total demolition of trust, there is doubt that William would forgive his brother and will find it even harder to ponder how Harry could possibly forgive himself.
A Test of Silence
The analysis suggests letting Harry try the silent treatment and attempt to vanish into the background like the repentant prodigal son. But given everything that's transpired, it feels a bit too good to be true. Keeping quiet has never exactly been high up on the Sussex skill set – there is always another act waiting in the wings.
