Royal experts have said Meghan Markle and Prince Harry should apologise to Princess Catherine and Prince William, but not simply to "boost popularity."
Speaking on the Daily Mail's podcast Palace Confidential, diary editor Richard Eden said: "What they could do that would boost their popularity would be a genuine apology to the Royal Family and particularly to William and Kate, for the hurt they have caused." He added that the apology would have to seem sincere.
Popularity of the Royals
The podcast also noted that the Prince and Princess of Wales are the most popular royals, while Harry and Meghan's popularity has plummeted, according to recent polls.
Last month, the Daily Express reported on how Meghan and Harry were planning to express their regrets to the Royal Family over comments they made to Oprah Winfrey during their 2021 TV interview.
Plans for Reconciliation
An insider also said that Harry and Meghan were making long-term plans to live in the UK, and making amends with William and Catherine is part of this. "They want to focus on the future, and are hoping that will include a reconciliation at some point. They really want a sit-down so they can address what they said, and Meghan will apologise," the insider said.
A former spokesperson for Queen Elizabeth II, however, believes Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could leave the UK next year, saying "he can't see them staying." The Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved back to the United Kingdom in August 2026 with Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5.
Future Plans and Security
Speaking on the Sun's Royal exclusive show, Dickie Arbiter said he can't see the Sussexes staying just after August 31 next year. "I can't see them staying for any length of time. I see them staying until after August 31 next year for the 30th anniversary of the death of Diana, the Princess of Wales. The kids will have finished their first full year at school, and they'll probably think it's time to move on. And the Invictus Games are in July," he added.
The Sussexes stepped back as working senior royals in 2020, and lost automatic state-funded police protection. As a result, they pay for their own private security detail, which has been estimated to cost up to £12 million a year. The couple's children were forced to move from their first school in the UK due to security fears and are now, according to Harry, "loving" their new one.
