Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to make a bombshell return to the UK, sparking questions about their future royal roles, their public feud with major family members, and who will fund their security. The couple dramatically exited public life and moved to California six years ago when it was made clear they could not be part-time royals.
On their way out, they attacked the Royals and Britain, with the late Queen making it clear that the Sussexes could not juggle being working Royals while earning money in the private sector. The 2020 Sandringham Agreement – dubbed “Megxit” – ruled the couple could not be half-in-half-out royals. Their return has led to speculation that this is the beginning of the end of Megxit, with concerns raised over which camp members of the royal family will fall into: those for the return and those against.
King Charles 'Supportive' of Prince Harry's Return
Sources speaking to the Sun say if there are discussions on any future role for Harry, it would need to take place between him and his father, the King, who has not yet issued a direct and official public reaction to the news of the Sussexes' return. However, Press Association reports that the monarch "welcomes the opportunity to see more of the family" in a personal capacity, and no doubt the Monarch will be delighted to be reunited with his grandchildren.
Prince William and Princess Catherine Against Prince Harry's Move
It is believed the Prince and Princess of Wales, who are understood to not be on talking terms with Harry and Meghan, were reportedly informed of the news before it became public knowledge. It is unlikely Prince William will be overjoyed by the news of his younger brother's return. As the heir to the throne, Prince William’s primary focus is protecting the reputation and continuity of the British monarchy. Royal insiders and correspondents say William feels a profound sense of betrayal and "treachery" over Harry’s decision to publicise private family conflicts.
The Sussexes' bombshell 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey and their subsequent Netflix documentary aired widespread accusations of institutional neglect and racism within the royal family. Reports consistently show that William has "no interest" in repairing the relationship because he feels he can no longer trust Harry. He fears that any private conversation or attempt at reconciliation will simply be leaked to the media or included in a future television project. During Prince Harry's most recent trip home last month, where he appeared publicly during the High Court ruling settling his phone hacking case in favour of the Daily Mail, the pair were in London at the same time but reportedly did not meet.
Speaking prior to the announcement, News 24 royal reporter Mark Dolan said, "It's my understanding that William is furious… Why? Because it's a reward for the treachery, disloyalty and the cruelty of Harry and Meghan. Charles wants to see his grandchildren, I understand that, but I think that Harry and Meghan had no right to be on a royal property. They got their way as usual."
Although Princess Catherine has famously bonded with her brother-in-law Prince William over the years she has known him, and has reportedly counselled her husband to reconcile with Prince Harry, tensions between Meghan Markle and Princess Catherine have been widely reported. She is likely to be unreceptive to the idea of them being in the public spotlight frequently in the UK, in particular because of the history of these appearances clashing with carefully choreographed royal duties. The relationship between Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Catherine, Princess of Wales, has evolved from a stilted, distant politeness into complete estrangement. The two women have not spoken or communicated since September 2022, when they briefly put on a united front outside Windsor Castle following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
In his book William & Catherine: The Intimate Inside Story, royal correspondent Russell Myers wrote: “William and Catherine were both wounded by the numerous accusations and the presentation of Harry and Meghan's 'truth'.”
Queen Camilla Will Back the King
Queen Camilla will keep to protocol and support her husband King Charles in public, potentially leaving official comment to His Majesty. However, behind closed doors she is believed to be unhappy with the news of their return because of the tensions over Prince Harry's tragic mother Princess Diana's divorce, many of which were publicised in his 2023 book Spare, which was scathing about the episode.
Royals Cautiously Optimistic
Disgraced former-Prince Andrew will probably welcome the pair, if only to distract public attention away from his own improprieties, in particular the explosive fallout from the Epstein Scandal. Andrew's ex-wife Sarah Ferguson and his daughters Eugenie and Beatrice have little track record of publicly falling out with the Sussexes. Prince Edward, Duchess Sophie, Zara and Mike Tindall are expected to be supportive of the return and largely welcoming of the family because of their past closeness. As a force for stability within the royal family, Princess Anne is expected to support her nephew King Charles in welcoming Prince Harry and family back into the fold. However, she will no doubt be watching with a close eye on the couple.
What Does the Future Hold for the Sussexes
The Sussexes will continue with their business enterprises, sources say, and are understood to not be working as royals when they return. Both seven-year-old Archie and Lilibet, five, are set to go to school in the UK in September, but Sussex sources will not reveal where they will be attending. It remains unclear if the family has been given security assurances for their return and whether the financial burden will fall on the British taxpayer. The Duke has previously claimed it was “unsafe” to bring his family back home.
Following the news that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will move back to Britain later this month, a Home Office spokesperson said: “The UK Government’s protective security system is rigorous and proportionate. It is our long-standing policy not to provide detailed information on those arrangements, as doing so could compromise their integrity and affect individuals’ security.” The Home Secretary does not get involved in security arrangements for members of the royal family or other key public figures, and decisions are taken by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec). The committee’s membership includes the Home Office, Metropolitan Police and royal household, who work together to advise the independent chair in making decisions, which are informed by expert risk assessments and in line with Government policy.
