Speculation has been rife regarding Prince Harry's potential return to the United Kingdom, a move that has been met with a complex mixture of familial duty and personal resistance. The Duke of Sussex, who along with his wife Meghan Markle stepped back from senior royal duties in 2020, finds himself at a crossroads, torn between his familial obligations and the life he has built away from the monarchy.
According to royal expert and author Tom Quinn, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, stands firmly against the idea of returning to the U.K., even temporarily, in light of the King's health concerns.
"Even if Harry was allowed back temporarily, his wife would not be part of the package," Quinn stated, emphasizing the depth of the rift that has developed between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family. This sentiment was echoed across multiple reports, highlighting the unlikely prospect of Harry assuming a "part-time working royal" role that would see him split his time between the U.S. and the U.K.
The news of the King's ailment reportedly left Prince Harry "visibly shocked and upset," with an immediate desire to offer practical assistance. However, Quinn suggests that any offer made by Harry to return was done with the understanding that it would likely be declined, given the complexities and tensions that currently exist within the royal family. "Harry knows he will never be allowed to be a permanent part-time working royal," Quinn remarked, pointing to the mistrust and "bad blood" that have marred relationships within the monarchy.
The discord within the royal family, particularly between the Sussexes and the Cambridges, has been a subject of intense public scrutiny. The once-celebrated "Fab Four" - comprising Harry, Meghan, William, and Kate - have seen their relationships deteriorate, leading to a situation where, according to Quinn, "no one in the royal family wants to go back to the terrible days" of internal conflict and public fallout.
Amidst these royal family dynamics, Meghan Markle has been focusing on her own ventures, notably in the realm of lifestyle branding and podcasting. Reports suggest that the Duchess is keen to rebuild her public image and has sought to connect with high-profile figures such as Taylor Swift to bolster her platform.
Despite not securing Swift as a guest on her podcast "Archetypes," Meghan's determination to elevate her brand remains undeterred. She recently announced a partnership with Lemonada Media to continue her podcasting efforts, expressing excitement about joining a "female-founded company with a roster of thought-provoking and highly entertaining podcasts."
As the royal family navigates through these turbulent times, the balance between personal independence and familial obligations continues to challenge the Sussexes. The prospect of Harry and Meghan's return to the U.K., even under the somber circumstances of King Charles' health, remains fraught with complexity, underscoring the deep-seated issues that have led to their estrangement from the royal fold.
