Meghan Markle's former friend and PR expert Nick Ede has claimed that Prince William and Princess Kate may "never forgive" Prince Harry and Meghan, following the couple's recent public appearance in Nottingham.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were greeted by crowds of well-wishers during their first joint engagement on British soil, with shouts of "we love you Meghan" heard as she exited the vehicle. Fans asked them to pose for selfies and handed them bouquets of flowers, cards, a unicorn balloon and a healing crystal.
Nick Ede's advice for Meghan
Speaking to Café Casino, Nick Ede suggested that Meghan should drop her royal title to establish her own identity away from the Palace. He said: "Meghan has an opportunity to reclaim her place in Britain without needing the Palace. She's a different woman from the one who arrived in 2017, and this could be the start of a new chapter if she does it well."
He added: "I think this was far better than her photo op with Malala which set very contrived. She is a Hollywood celebrity, and she needs to play more into that and forget her title."
Sussexes pressing the reset button
Nick described the Nottingham visit as the Sussexes "pressing the reset button", saying: "They're reminding people of the good they can do rather than the controversies that have dominated their story. It's a clever move, but consistency will be key to their success."
He added: "I think this is the beginning of a much more visible Harry and Meghan in Britain. They've realised that actions speak louder than interviews, and charitable work is their strongest route to rebuilding public trust. They are both very altruistic and have always wanted to show their support to organisations by shining a light on them and using their star power."
No royal reconciliation expected
Despite the warm reception, Nick does not believe it will lead to a royal reconciliation. He said: "A warm reception doesn't mean a royal reunion is around the corner. I think we'll see a private family reconciliation with Charles and Camilla long before we ever see the Fab Four together again. I don't think William and Kate will ever forgive them."
The Duke and Duchess were welcomed to the Community Recording Studio (CRS) in St Ann's, Nottingham, for a run of three quasi-royal public appearances in the city on Thursday. The couple set up home back in England in August, six years after quitting the working monarchy for a new life in the US.
Nick praised Meghan's public debut, saying: "Meghan looked relaxed, confident and genuinely happy to be there. Her smiles, hugs and natural engagement with the crowds showed the charm that made her so popular when she first joined the Royal Family."
He concluded: "Nottingham was a real turning point for Harry and Meghan. The warmth of the crowds reminded us of the couple Britain first fell in love with, before everything became so complicated. It was good to see them so radiant and full of life."
