A royal commentator has suggested that the Duchess of Sussex's potential return to the United Kingdom would represent a particularly "bitter pill" for the Prince and Princess of Wales to swallow, as reported family tensions show no sign of abating.
The Strained Royal Rift
It has been years since Meghan, Duchess of Sussex last set foot in Great Britain, with her most recent visit occurring for the funeral of the late Queen Elizabeth II. While her husband, Prince Harry, has returned several times—including for King Charles III's coronation—Meghan and the couple's children, Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four, have remained in the United States.
This prolonged absence could be nearing an end. Recent reports indicate that the Sussex family may soon have their police security reinstated in the UK, a move that would likely make Prince Harry feel more comfortable bringing his wife and children on future visits.
The underlying familial discord, however, remains a significant obstacle. Relations between the so-called 'Fab Four'—William, Kate, Harry, and Meghan—have been publicly strained since before the Sussexes' 2020 departure for California. The friction is understood to have begun around the time of Harry and Meghan's 2018 wedding, with a now-infamous disagreement over bridesmaids' dresses between the two duchesses.
Business Success Versus Royal Protocol
According to commentator Shane Watson, writing for the Sunday Times, Meghan's re-entry onto the British stage would be especially difficult for William and Kate because of her newfound commercial success. Watson argues that Meghan would not be returning as a "dutiful wife" or a "somewhat chastened" figure, but rather as a member of the "Californian business elite."
This assessment follows claims that a technical glitch on the website for Meghan's lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, briefly revealed stock levels. Motivated observers reportedly used this data to calculate that sales of her signature strawberry jam had generated an estimated £26.7 million in revenue. This figure, if accurate, points to a resoundingly successful first year for her venture.
"She will happily return now because it will be as one of the Californian business elite, flying the flag of mindful wealth and success," Watson wrote, adding that this context makes the potential reunion "even harder than it would have been for the Waleses to swallow."
Lingering Tensions and Unresolved Conflict
The personal grievances between the two couples appear deeply entrenched. In his memoir, 'Spare', Prince Harry detailed a private meeting in 2018 aimed at reconciliation. He described Kate Middleton as gripping her chair so tightly her "fingers were white," while she insisted she was owed an apology from Meghan for the "baby brain" comment. Harry concluded that the airing of grievances was getting them nowhere.
Subsequent public revelations have only widened the rift. The couple's 2022 Netflix documentary featured a scene where Harry appeared devastated after receiving a text message, allegedly from his brother William, following their Oprah Winfrey interview. Furthermore, Harry revealed in 2023 that his memoir could have been "two books" and that he omitted certain details about his relationship with William because he believed the future King would "never forgive" him if they were published.
With Prince Harry having visited the UK for brief engagements and high-profile diary clashes with his brother last year, the stage is set for a potentially tense and closely watched family dynamic should the entire Sussex family make their long-awaited return to British soil.
