Prince Harry's potential return to royal duties has been overshadowed by discussions about the role and influence of Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex. According to royal biographer Angela Levin, Meghan's control over Harry's decisions could significantly shape his involvement with the Royal Family, should he choose to re-engage in a part-time capacity.
Levin's commentary paints a picture of Meghan as the dominant force in the couple's dynamic, particularly when it comes to Harry's interactions with the monarchy. "Anything that he does here, Meghan will control. She controls him, she holds his arms, she doesn't let him move more than three inches," Levin remarked in an interview with GB News. This depiction raises questions about the balance of power within their relationship and the implications for Harry's potential contributions to royal responsibilities.
The backdrop to this discussion is the health of King Charles III, who is currently undergoing treatment for cancer. It's a situation that has prompted Prince Harry to express a desire to support his father, hinting at a possible return to royal duties. However, the intricacies of such a return are complicated by past tensions and the couple's previous departure from full-time royal life.
Levin further elaborates on the potential consequences of Harry's return, particularly in the context of the royal residence. "If he wants to get a place in Kensington Palace, it would be an absolute disaster because they will be manipulated by those two. I mean, half of them are global warriors and half of them are terrible victims," she explained.
The skepticism about Meghan's influence extends beyond her relationship with Harry. Levin suggests that Meghan's vision for the monarchy and her assertive personality could lead to friction. "She always got to be in the front. She pushes forward, she knows exactly what she thinks the monarchy should be and she won't give in," Levin added.
Despite these concerns, the idea of Harry's return, influenced by Meghan, has been met with mixed reactions. Eamonn Holmes of GB News speculated that the British public might welcome Harry back, especially given the current health situation of King Charles. However, Levin countered this optimism, particularly regarding Meghan's role, suggesting that while Harry might be forgiven, the public's reservations about Meghan persist.
Prince William's Stance and Institutional Concerns
However, the path to Harry's involvement is fraught with complications, notably due to the strained relationship with his brother, Prince William. William's reported stance is one of firm opposition to Harry's return to royal duties, a position likely hardened by past criticisms and the couple's decision to step away from royal life.
A source close to William conveyed the Prince of Wales's sentiment, asserting, "Whatever has been discussed between William and the king is private, but it is absolutely and categorically clear that he (William) would not allow Harry to return."
Amid these complexities, sources close to Harry suggest that the current circumstances surrounding the King's health might warrant a reevaluation of the couple's role within the monarchy. Yet, senior palace sources maintain that a "half in, half out" arrangement, allowing the Sussexes to partake in royal duties while pursuing private commercial interests, remains unfeasible.
The late Queen Elizabeth II's principle that members of the Royal Family cannot be "half in, half out" of their duties continues to influence current discussions. King Charles's agreement with this sentiment, as reported, highlights the challenges in finding a middle ground that accommodates both Harry's desire for a role and the monarchy's need for commitment and consistency.
