Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's relocation back to the UK will not repair their relationship with Prince William and Princess Kate, according to former UK government advisor Peter Cardwell.
Appearing on News24, the journalist said: "Given how toxic the relationship is between Harry and William, and indeed Harry and Meghan and Catherine and William, well that is something which I think probably won't be repaired."
No immediate royal duties
Cardwell suggested the couple may be seeking to re-enter royal life in some capacity, but not immediately.
"They're taking this non-royal residence. They'll want to re-enter their lives in some way, maybe even royal duties to some degree, but there's no suggestion that that's gonna happen immediately," he continued. "Maybe this is just an attempt to get back inside the fold."
During the programme, Cardwell added that Meghan and Harry would not be received "particularly well" by the British public either.
Public perception and the move back
"I think that Harry is someone who has taken on the press. He's lost a big case along with other people recently," the TalkTV star said.
"We're also in a situation where Meghan is a deeply unpopular person in many parts of the UK, in massive contrast to Princess Catherine, the Princess of Wales."
Last week it was revealed that Harry and Meghan would be relocating to Britain, six years after embarking on a new life in California. While details have been extremely limited, the BBC has reported that the move might be temporary.
Temporary stay and children's schooling
Noting that the Sussexes perceive Britain as their home "for now," it has been suggested that Harry and Meghan will simply see how the move goes before making any permanent decisions. They are expected to arrive in the UK towards the end of August.
Echoing this sentiment, a source has also told The Times: "It'll be an extended period of time — it could be six months, it could be a year, it could be more — I don't think even they know yet.
"They might suddenly go: 'Why don't we try Canada for a while? Why don't we try Australia?' It's one of the great things about being private individuals [that they can live where they choose]."
In the meantime, it is understood that Harry and Meghan have enrolled their children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, into British schools with a September start date. It was also reported that the family would live in a private, non-royal residence outside of London.
