The Duke and Duchess of Sussex could make King Charles re-evaluate his slimmed-down monarchy, royal reporter Jasmine Carey writes.
Meghan's first UK engagement since return
There are likely to be some nerves in the Sussex household tonight, and it's no surprise, really, is it? Look at it this way - tomorrow is the day Meghan Markle will make her first official public engagement in the UK since she moved back in August. While she will have her husband, Prince Harry, by her side, nerves are likely to run high.
Why? Well, Harry has spent the last few months stepping out at various events in the UK. We are already used to seeing him out and about again. Just like the old days, except he doesn't represent the Royal Family anymore.
As for Meghan, she hasn't stepped out yet. Yes, she has been seen visiting pubs in the Cotswolds and driving around, but these are ordinary everyday things. They aren't events where people will be gathered to see them, especially like tomorrow in Nottingham. That's where the nerves lie.
A divided public and a significant moment
She already knows the UK is very divided on her. Some people love her, and others claim to hate her. She did, in the eyes of many, take Harry away from Britain. It must be said, though, that Harry has told the world many times that he wanted to leave, and his wife was not the reason.
Therefore, tomorrow is a massive deal for Meghan. Will she be hugged by adoring fans or booed? We are yet to know. But what we do know is that it could set the tone for the rest of their time living in Britain again.
Most importantly, I think it could set the tone for the monarchy's future. In my eyes, the couple's major move tomorrow to step out in Nottingham for charitable engagements could have a significant impact, including on King Charles' view of the couple's future.
A difficult year for the royals
Look at it this way. The monarchy has been slapped around the face more times than can be counted this year. Whether that be Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's scandals and accusations he faces, which he denies, or Earl Spencer's damaging book… 2026 has not been easy for the royals. They need, quite simply, to get and maintain as much support as possible to secure their future in this modern world.
That's why tomorrow is major for Harry and Meghan. Because while they quit royal life in 2020, and while King Charles stated just weeks ago that they remain non-working royals, a successful day for the duke and duchess could be a big green flag for the monarch.
In other words, it could show the King that maybe involving his youngest son and his daughter-in-law in royal life again might not be so bad after all, if they do prove popular tomorrow. Maybe he may even reconsider the slimmed-down monarchy that exists today.
What a successful day could mean
Of course, who knows if Harry and Meghan would even be open to jumping back into the royal fold. But what I do think is that if they have a successful day tomorrow, and Brits seem to love seeing them out and about again, this could be a welcome surprise for King Charles - and he could use it to his advantage.
Even if it means the couple don't rejoin life as working royals, but simply step out at some royal events. Something that, at this time, still seems very unlikely, but could move mountains for the monarchy in the long run.
After all, the more respectable royals the King can get to represent the monarchy, the better. While Harry and Meghan have not necessarily always been seen in this light, the tables could have turned now. Six years is, after all, a long time. It's all a case of let's wait and see.
