Prince Harry and Meghan could prove a distraction from the royals and their work, which will no doubt annoy the King and Prince William, according to an expert.
The Sussexes arrived to start their new lives in the UK just three days ago and are settling into their new home before their children start at their new British schools. The couple have not yet made any public appearances in the UK since the move, but that could change once they have settled. This would coincide with the royals, including the King and the Prince and Princess of Wales, getting back to work for the autumn following their summer break.
Diary clashes and a competition for coverage
In the past, there have been diary clashes between Harry's appearances and those of his royal relatives, with whom he has rocky relationships. For royal expert Jennie Bond, this could be a flashpoint between the two sides as the weeks go on.
The former BBC royal correspondent told the Mirror: “One of the biggest challenges facing the working royals at the moment is the very real prospect of their work being overshadowed by anything the Sussexes do, at least whilst we all get used to them being back in the UK.”
“And that’s a distraction that will annoy the King and — especially — William. I’m afraid it will all be seen as something of a competition in the next few months, particularly as Harry tries to get more publicity for his Invictus Games. And, until the novelty of having him and the family back in the UK wears off, it's a competition that Harry will probably win.”
“And that will mean less news coverage for the work his family are doing on behalf of the country and for the charities and campaigns they spend their lives supporting.”
Royal reaction and the Caribbean tour
Since news of Harry and Meghan’s UK return broke, the royals have not commented publicly on the situation. Royal sources have told how the Prince of Wales is "completely united" with the King in not allowing Harry and Meghan to achieve a 'half in, half out' role within the monarchy, after spending years railing against the institution. While friends of William and Kate have said they "cannot forgive" the Sussexes for their hurtful accusations against the Firm, they are determined to "look forward to the future".
Jennie added: “The King and the senior royals have worked hard to rise above the chaos Harry and Meghan have created, and the shame Andrew has brought on the family. Everything was looking pretty much back on track until this sudden return of the Sussexes. I still cling to the hope that they can all find a way to live in harmony and end the rift. That would surely be better for everyone concerned and for the monarchy.”
One flashpoint that could prove explosive in the coming months is the King and Queen’s autumn tour to the Caribbean. The tour will see Charles and Camilla attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in early November, while the King will also visit the Bahamas and Guyana. Buckingham Palace said the tour would “celebrate communities, cultures and nature within the Commonwealth family”, with its announcement coming on the same day as Harry and Meghan’s UK arrival.
Jennie explained: “The announcement of the Autumn tour reinforces the fact that the royal road show will roll on regardless, ignoring all the surrounding noise. Hopefully Harry and Meghan will honour the tradition of keeping a low profile while the King and Queen are carrying out their duties in the Caribbean and Guyana. It is an important visit, and CHOGM, the meeting of the Commonwealth leaders, is an example of how different cultures can find common ground. Perhaps the royals will find a way to follow suit!”
