Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been warned they are on a "collision course" with Buckingham Palace after their move back to the UK. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's first month back in Britain has not been smooth sailing, including a public spat with the Palace and Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet moving schools over security issues.
While Harry has insisted it is "great" to be back in Britain, the family's return has amplified scrutiny on their ongoing estrangement from the Royal Family. A source told Woman and Home that a major source of contention between the two camps was that Meghan and Harry have "no intention" of fading into obscurity, as indicated by their sharp response to King Charles labelling them "private citizens" earlier this month.
Source warns of 'collision course'
The source said: "It is their belief that they have a great deal to offer charities and good causes that could benefit from their support. If the King thought that issuing the letter would simply make them fade away, he will be deeply disappointed ... It is no exaggeration that this is likely to put them on a collision course with the Palace."
They added that it will likely be difficult to differentiate between "official royal engagements and any events Harry and Meghan choose to attend", feeding the narrative that they are pursuing a "half-in, half-out" deal against the King's wishes.
Return to Britain
The Sussexes stepped down as working royals in 2020 for personal and financial reasons, and they have not publicly commented on why they unexpectedly relocated to the UK from California, where they had created a life away from the institution of the monarchy, in August.
Speculation ranges from the couple wanting their children to develop a closer relationship with their grandfather, the King, to Meghan seeking a return to acting and the duke and duchess wanting to boost their profile.
King's stance and security concerns
In the run-up to their return, Charles was said to be glad to spend more time with the family, but remained adamant they would not be working royals and there was no half-in, half-out option, as forbidden by Queen Elizabeth II before her death.
The duke and duchess were said to be "surprised" by a letter authorised by the King reiterating that the couple were "private citizens" and setting out guidance on how they should be treated. Meghan and Harry, who are still waiting to hear whether they will be given taxpayer-funded security, were reported to prefer the term "public figures" instead.
They have also had to contend with schooling issues, with Archie and Lilibet moved to a new undisclosed institution after just two days in class. The decision came after heavy traffic, and the lengthy school journey reportedly put their security team under strain.
