Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could face a fresh wave of humiliation when they return to the UK next month, a royal commentator has claimed. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expected to bring their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, to the UK for the first time in four years.
Public Perception Concerns
The couple will travel from California to attend celebrations marking the one-year countdown to next year's Invictus Games in Birmingham. Reports suggest the King will address part of Prince Harry's armed protection for his family during their stay. However, royal commentator Lee Cohen warned that security is not the only issue; public perception poses a significant challenge.
Cohen, a US-based columnist and royal commentator, told the Spectator: "A return for Meghan Markle, if it actually happens, could drop like a lead balloon with the British public. She torched her bridges in her husband's homeland, above all, through the couple's conduct toward the late Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip in their final years." He added: "Many in Britain and throughout the globe who cherished the late Queen and her husband will neither forget nor forgive."
Criticism of Family Spectacle
Cohen criticised the couple for "tying the Birmingham countdown to a family spectacle," which allegedly diverts attention from the veterans. He said: "If Meghan does step back onto British soil with the children, polite endurance is the best reception she could possibly hope for. The bridges were burned and dynamited."
He claimed that Harry and Meghan's "unforgivable behaviour" against Britain and the crown would be hard to counter. Cohen concluded: "Britain will surely support genuine service to veterans. However, it is under no obligation to provide the stage, the security, or the forgiveness to a couple who rejected, disparaged, and now needs it once more. The public will make its own call – if and when the moment arrives."
Security and Family Meetings
Harry had previously expressed hopes of bringing his children from the US but insisted it was too dangerous amid his legal fight over UK security. However, the duke has reportedly been assured that adequate security provision will be in place for the trip. It is not yet known whether the King will meet his youngest grandchildren during their stay.
