Prince Harry reportedly wants to return to the UK more often to support his charities, but a royal commentator has claimed there is another motive behind his wishes.
The Duke of Sussex visited his home country last month for five days to attend various engagements linked to his charities. He also met with his father while joined by his wife, Meghan Markle, their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, as well as Queen Camilla.
Family reunion and charity plans
Following the private family gathering, sources said that the duke was feeling “buoyed, very happy and really energised,” wanting to “spend more time with his family” in Britain. A little later, sources close to the duke claimed he wants to make more regular visits to the UK to “support his UK-based charities with more in-person meetings”.
But a royal commentator blasted those claims and said there is another motive behind the duke’s wishes.
Expert questions motives
The Daily Mail’s Amanda Platell said Harry only really supports a handful of charities compared to his brother, Prince William, who is patron or president of “up to 50 charitable, military and public organisations”.
She added that Harry may be “plotting up” a “softening-up” exercise to salvage his damaged reputation in the country. Last May, a YouGov survey found Harry and Meghan ranked just above disgraced Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, with approval ratings of 33% and 22%, respectively.
Popularity ratings and backlash
Ms Platell said: “It seems that Harry’s charity work may not be the real reason for him returning back home.
“I fear this may well be a ‘softening-up’ exercise ahead of an imminent media operation to try to nudge up their popularity ratings here – Harry currently languishing at 27% and Meghan at 18% – ahead of whatever new money-spinning plans they have cooked up.”
However, she added: “But if Harry imagines he’ll just swan back into Britain and all will be forgotten and forgiven, then he is in for a rude awakening.
“Prince Harry burnt his bridges here a long time ago. And if the King can only offer him one hour of his time, why should we, the public, give Harry even the time of day?”
