The prospect of a dramatic royal homecoming for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex has been reignited, with experts suggesting Meghan Markle may have to perform a significant U-turn on visiting the UK if a government security review rules in the couple's favour.
The Security Stalemate
Prince Harry's stark declaration that it was "impossible" to safely bring his wife and children, Archie and Lilibet, to Britain following a High Court defeat on security last year appeared to slam the door on any imminent return. The couple have not been on UK soil together since Queen Elizabeth II's funeral in September 2022.
However, a new government assessment of the threat level facing the Sussexes is now underway. This has sparked intense speculation that, should it result in the reinstatement of their official state protection, a visit could happen as soon as this year. Royal author Duncan Larcombe told the Mirror that this would strip Meghan of her primary reason for staying away.
"No Excuse" to Stay Away
"The security issue has essentially been used as an excuse for Meghan not to come to the UK in the last few years," Larcombe stated. "But many people think the real reason is to do with the public reaction that she'd receive over here."
He elaborated that if protection is restored, "there's really no excuse for her to stay away." This would force the Duchess into making "very uncomfortable decisions," effectively confronting the British public and royal family members she has publicly criticised.
"I don't think it's in Meghan's character to eat humble pie," Larcombe added, "and if she comes to the UK, humble pie is exactly what's on the menu for her."
Navigating a Royal Return
The logistics of any potential visit are fraught with complexity. Harry has seen his father, King Charles, only once in the past two years. Furthermore, Larcombe suggests Prince William remains "furious" about his brother's actions, with "bad blood" still flowing between them.
"If they come to the UK, who do they see?" Larcombe asked. "Does he see his brother who won't talk to him? Does he see his father who only gave him minutes of his time?"
Bookmakers are already taking bets on a Sussex family trip, with 2026 currently the favourite year. The 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham presents another likely opportunity, potentially offering a helpful distraction for Meghan. Larcombe notes it would be a "PR disaster" if she let Harry attend with their children while she remained in the US.
"Meghan is not stupid," he said. "She knows that staying away would do her no favours... It would start to raise all sorts of questions about the couple's relationship." The coming months, as the security review concludes, will be critical in determining whether the Sussexes' prolonged absence from Britain is finally coming to an end.
