The "jury is still out" on exactly why Prince Harry returned to the UK, but a royal expert believes two poignant reasons involving family sit at the heart of the bombshell decision. However, she also believes Meghan Markle will find it harder to settle back in Britain.
These were the views expressed by the Sunday Times's royal editor, Roya Nikkhah, who was speaking about why the Duke and Duchess of Sussex relocated here at the end of August. She said: "I think the jury is out on that. I mean, my sense and my feeling is I do really feel that Harry wants to spend as much time as he can with his father. His father is still receiving cancer treatment."
Harry's Motivation for the Move
Nikkhah noted that Harry has not seen his father since being back in the UK. She suggested he feels he can be more effective in the run-up to the Invictus Games in Birmingham. She added that Harry desperately wants his children to know their family more, including both the King and the Spencer side of the family.
While Harry wants to be closer to his dad and give his children the opportunity to know their relatives, Nikkhah believes the move is more complex for Meghan. She told Times Radio: "I think it's going to be more challenging for Meghan in terms of what she does here in the UK. It always was quite hard for her. She didn't love it and I think it'll be tricky."
Return After Six Years
Harry and Meghan quit as working royals six years ago and left the UK with their children, Archie and Lilibet. They are now back after leaving California behind.
Despite being back for just over a month, Dickie Arbiter, who served the palace from 1988 until 2000 as a Buckingham Palace press office employee, outlined three reasons why the couple would not last in the UK. He said: "I don't believe for a moment they will last in the United Kingdom. I think one of the main reasons Harry's come back is that he wants a hands on with the Invictus Games which is in Birmingham next year, July. I'm not sure the organisers want him with two hands on, but they'll welcome his presence to publicise it."
Meeting with Sydnie Christmas
Sydnie Christmas, a Britain's Got Talent winner, expressed what Harry was like after she met him off camera. The 31-year-old, who has performed in front of King Charles, said: "I have been lucky to meet Harry twice in the past month."
She has performed at the Invictus Games Spirit Awards as well as at an event in Canada celebrating 40 years of the David Foster Foundation. She recalled: "He was there as well. I got to meet him there, just such a down-to-earth, kind-souled person. What a pleasure, what an absolute pleasure. I didn't know what to expect. I don't really know too much, but what a nice person. And from that, he saw me sing Tomorrow, and he said such lovely things about me singing."
