Prince Harry's Return to Royal Duties Unlikely, Sources Say

Prince Harry's return to royal duties is unlikely, with sources saying it's 'never happening.' This follows Meghan Markle's reported desire to stay in the US.
By Newsroom | Royal Family, United Kingdom |

Prince Harry's aspirations for a return to royal duties appear to be a non-starter, with multiple sources indicating that such a reintegration is "never happening." Despite lingering sentiments of kinship and Harry's persistent declarations of "always be[ing] part of the royal family," the doors to his former life seem firmly shut.

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Meghan Markle's apparent disinclination to return to England, stemming from a feeling of never having "felt at home," presents a significant hurdle. This sentiment, reportedly reinforced by the couple's eviction from Frogmore Cottage, complicates any potential reconciliation efforts and casts doubt on the viability of part-time royal roles. The purchase of a holiday home in Portugal further signals a detachment from the UK's traditional royal sphere.

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A 'Wasted Opportunity' and Lingering Regrets

The departure of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex from royal life in 2020, a move that saw them relocate to the United States with their son, Prince Archie, reportedly left the late Queen Elizabeth II "enormously upset." Royal author Robert Hardman recalls the Queen viewing the decision as a "wasted opportunity," suggesting an underlying heartbreak over her grandson's choices. This sentiment echoes through various accounts, with some suggesting the couple "threw everything away" despite having seemingly achieved their desires for media attention on their own terms.

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Reports indicate Harry's desire to secure royal titles for his children, a point of contention that insiders deem unlikely to materialize. While Harry has undertaken several solo trips back to the UK, notably to visit King Charles following his cancer diagnosis, Meghan has consistently remained abroad. This divergence in willingness to engage with the British royal landscape underscores the chasm that has developed.

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Identity and Irrelevance in the 'American Dream'

Settled in Montecito, California, Prince Harry, now 41, is described as "struggling to find a sense of permanence" in his new life. While he continues to champion causes through his charitable organization, Archewell Philanthropies, and retains certain patronages, such as the Invictus Games Foundation, questions arise about his perceived "fighting irrelevance." He has stated that he and Meghan "never walked away," asserting that their commitment to service continues independently of institutional roles. However, the reality of their post-royal existence involves securing commercial deals with entities like Netflix and Spotify to fund their security and lifestyle, a stark contrast to the structured support of their former lives.

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The narrative surrounding Prince Harry's transition has been fraught with complexity. His interviews, including one with James Corden shortly after stepping back, highlighted a desire to protect his family and remove them from a situation he felt was detrimental. He has also expressed a wish for reconciliation, particularly with his brother, Prince William. Yet, the terms of their departure, including the forfeiture of royal patronages and the subsequent announcement that they would not return as working royals, appear to have solidified their estrangement.

Background

The decision by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to step back from their roles as senior members of the British royal family, a move colloquially dubbed 'Megxit,' unfolded over several years. The initial announcement in early 2020 marked a significant moment, leading to subsequent negotiations and clarifications from Buckingham Palace. This separation effectively ended their roles as working royals and saw them relinquish their royal patronages. The couple's subsequent relocation to North America and their ventures into media and philanthropy have been closely scrutinized, fueling ongoing discussions about their relationship with the monarchy and their future public roles.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will Prince Harry return to royal duties?
Insiders suggest Prince Harry's return to royal duties is very unlikely and "never happening." This is partly due to Meghan Markle's reported feelings about living in the UK.
Q: Why does Meghan Markle not want to return to the UK?
Meghan Markle reportedly "never felt at home" in the UK. This feeling, along with their eviction from Frogmore Cottage, makes a return difficult.
Q: What about Prince Harry's children's titles?
It is unlikely that Prince Harry's children will get royal titles. This is a point of disagreement and seems unlikely to change.
Q: How has the late Queen Elizabeth II felt about Harry's departure?
The late Queen Elizabeth II was reportedly "enormously upset" by Prince Harry and Meghan's decision to step back in 2020. She saw it as a "wasted opportunity."