Prince William reportedly doubts Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will remain in the UK for another six months, hoping they give up and return to America if denied taxpayer-funded security, according to an insider cited by Heat World.
Security decision pending
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have yet to reveal their reasons for moving back to the UK in August after six years abroad, but the pivotal factor deciding their future is no secret. They are waiting to hear whether they will be granted taxpayer-funded security, something Harry has previously cited as the sole argument against bringing his children to his home country.
Their police protection was reduced after the couple stepped down as working royals in 2020, but Harry has consistently campaigned for the service to be reinstated. Recent reports suggest the Sussexes have adopted an approach "akin to blackmail", pressuring the Palace to ensure the decision goes their way, or else they could return to the private mansion they have retained in California.
William's stance
While Harry and Meghan may count on appealing to King Charles's more sympathetic side and his natural desire to spend time with his two grandchildren, they could have underestimated Prince William. The Prince of Wales is known to harbour a cold shoulder towards his brother, not forgetting Harry's public derision of the monarchy after leaving the fold, including accusations of racism and mistreatment.
An insider claimed to Heat World: "William doesn't believe they'll even last another six months. He's counting on them giving up and moving back to America as soon as they realise they can't just bulldoze their way into getting everything they want." They added that he is "keeping his distance" from the Sussexes' ongoing security battle "because he knows anything he does will be used against him" and is "counting on the powers that be to do the right thing".
Estrangement and impact
William and Harry's estrangement is clear as day. They have not met on any of the duke's trips back to Britain in the last six years, and Harry has been open about the distance between them, including by detailing a physical altercation in his 2023 memoir Spare.
The duke and duchess's return across the Atlantic was undeniably a surprise. It appears to have achieved little in terms of reconciliation, although suggestions they had a commercial profile boost in mind have not subsided. As a string of incidents since their move show, the commercial perks of the UK return are quickly being overshadowed by a lack of paid-for protection.
They have already hinted their security situation is disrupting their daily lives, hence the hurried change of school for Archie and Lilibet just days into the new term, when the drive proved too much for a private security detail, and panic around international photographers spotted outside the new site.
Possible outcome
The results of the security review will rest with the Home Office and could still go in either direction. But the way it's looking now, Harry and Meghan may well decide the hassle isn't worth their while and, especially if they perceive yet more persecution from the Palace, pack their bags and head back to America. William will likely be hoping they do, before what is currently his father's problem lands on his plate.
