Prince William is the biggest obstacle to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle returning to royal life, according to Newsweek's chief royal correspondent Jack Royston. The comment came as the Sussexes made their first royal-style joint appearance since relocating to the UK from California, visiting local youth and community organisations in Nottingham as private citizens.
Royal return questioned
Former Sky News presenter Kay Burley joined Royston on Substack live to discuss the couple's appearance. Burley received a message on X asking: "Now that they have settled into the UK is there any way back into the royal circle if they increase their charity work? Or is it too late for them?"
Royston replied: "I think it's too late because William is the obstacle." However, he noted a potential silver lining, saying: "The one avenue they could try to explore is that it would appear there is a little bit of an issue getting William to travel abroad."
Overseas tours opportunity
Royston suggested King Charles's visit to the United States in April would have been a good opportunity for the Prince of Wales. He claimed: "It isn't the easiest thing in the world to get [William] to go on overseas tours like the one he went to in 2022 when he went to the Caribbean."
He added that if Harry is willing to "mop up the overseas tours" it would be his best chance of returning to royal life.
Christmas plans in California
Burley suggested she could not see Harry or William reuniting at Christmas, amid reports the Sussexes will be returning to California next month. Royston said: "Our understanding is that they are going to Montecito and spend Christmas with Doria. We don't think a [royal] invite was extended to them."
The Sussexes moved to England in August. After the Sunday Times reported that the pair "know they're not going to be invited" to celebrate Christmas with the Royal Family, they have started making plans to head to California.
Meghan is said to be "looking forward" to heading to California next month, as Thanksgiving approaches on November 26. A source told People: "She does miss home - and her mum. They're planning to come back for the holidays. Meghan's looking forward to seeing her friends and making plans with them already."
A friend of the Sussexes told the Sunday Times that Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, who lives in the Los Angeles area, would take control of the holiday plans. The source said: "For Thanksgiving and Christmas, they will do whatever Doria wants to do. They would love her to come over to the U.K. and spend it with them here, but they will be wherever she wants to be."
