Royal expert Richard Eden, Diary Editor of the Daily Mail, has warned that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's reported return to Britain could be "just the beginning" of a wider attempt to rebuild their ties with the Royal Family.
Eden made the claim in a piece for the newspaper after it emerged that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are planning to return to the UK for an extended period six years after stepping back from royal duties. He said he had been mocked after previously reporting that there was an "Establishment 'plot'" to bring Harry and Meghan back to Britain, allegedly supported by senior politicians and courtiers.
Signs of a longer-term return
According to Eden, signs that the Sussexes could be planning a longer-term return had been emerging for some time. He said Harry was focused on his children's education during a visit to Britain last September, with a friend telling him: "Harry wants to educate the children here in the UK."
The source claimed the Duke wanted Archie and Lilibet to enjoy the same benefits he had growing up, adding: "Harry feels his children are missing out on the extensive family network that their niece and nephews are enjoying."
According to Eden, the latest reports that Archie and Lilibet have enrolled in British schools suggest the plans may have been developing for far longer than many realised.
Improving contact with King Charles
Eden also pointed to Harry and Meghan's improving contact with King Charles. The King reportedly welcomes their return because it could allow him to spend more time with his grandchildren privately.
However, the journalist warned about the potential dire consequences of their return. He wrote: "The couple left this country because Queen Elizabeth refused to allow them to combine public duties with making money. The late Queen believed this would destroy trust in the Royal Family. When Harry and Meghan carried out a public engagement, would they be doing so out of a sense of duty or because it could boost their bank balance?"
He added: "The King may not let them be official 'working royals' on their return, but they will still be combining charitable engagements with money-making – a highly dangerous combination."
Strengthening royal connections
Eden wrote: "Harry knows that his father is still being treated for cancer. By returning to Britain now, the Sussexes have a chance to strengthen their royal connections before William becomes king."
He added: "Having failed to establish a rival 'royal court' in America, Harry and Meghan will now try to do so in Britain, undermining William and Catherine."
However, the royal expert thinks that the couple will unlikely succeed in winning back the sympathy of the British public, unless they "publicly beg William and Catherine for forgiveness and quit money-making in favour of a life of public service."
