Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's upcoming visit to the UK next month is reportedly part of a failing 'plot' to mend ties with the Royal Family, according to royal expert Richard Eden. Writing for The Daily Mail, Eden claims that the so-called 'Project Thaw' is faltering due to two key reasons: ongoing tensions between Harry and his brother, Prince William, and the couple's continued unpopularity among the British public.
Strained Relations with Prince William
Eden reports that relations remain difficult between Harry and the Prince and Princess of Wales. A source indicated that Prince William wants nothing to do with his brother, highlighting a deep rift that has persisted since Harry and Meghan stepped back from royal duties in 2020. This personal animosity poses a significant obstacle to any reconciliation efforts.
Low Public Approval Ratings
The second reason for the plan's failure, according to Eden, is the lack of enthusiasm from the British public. A YouGov poll from April revealed that only 30% of Britons have a positive view of Prince Harry, while just 20% view Meghan favourably. The pollster noted that the couple are 'looked upon more favourably by young Britons than their elders (although they are still net unpopular across all generations)'. Specifically, only 19% of over-65s have a positive view of Harry, compared to 35% of 18-24 year olds. For Meghan, just 10% of the oldest Britons feel favourably towards her, versus 31% of their youngest counterparts.
Visit Details and Security Concerns
The couple, who now live in California, are due to visit the UK next month with their children, seven-year-old Prince Archie and five-year-old Princess Lilibet. They have been offered a stay at a royal residence. It remains unclear whether King Charles will meet his grandchildren, whom he last saw in 2022 during the late Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee celebrations. This visit comes despite Harry telling the BBC last year that he 'can't see a world in which' he would bring his wife and children back to Britain. However, a key development is that Harry is now satisfied with security arrangements, after previously taking legal action against the Home Office over the matter and losing.
King Charles and Queen Camilla's Residence
Separately, it was confirmed on Thursday that the King and Queen will not live at Buckingham Palace once the nearly £370 million refurbishment is completed. A spokesperson stated that the palace 'will remain Monarchy HQ, the crown jewel of our national buildings, with the sovereign’s standard flying proudly from the roof whenever His Majesty is in London, just as it has done since accession'.
