The Royal Family's recent decision to modify Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's presence on the official royal website has been interpreted by experts as a clear indication that the couple will not be returning to the UK, particularly during Kate Middleton's ongoing cancer battle. The change, which saw the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's individual profiles removed and replaced with a joint section at the bottom of the "Members of the Royal Family" tab, came just days before the Princess of Wales announced her cancer diagnosis in an emotional video.
Andrew Pierce, a GB News presenter, believes that the timing of the website update is not a coincidence. "It is not a coincidence because the Princess of Wales filmed that video on Wednesday and that announcement about them being downgraded was on Thursday," he said. "So it all happened at the same time. They've just made it clear in case people think Harry and Meghan can come back. No, it's not happening. There's no chance of it happening because they are not working members of the Royal Family anymore. They've made their decision and that's it."
The move to condense Harry and Meghan's appearance on the royal website has been seen as a significant sign from Kensington Palace, the home of Prince William and Kate Middleton. The decision was made in line with the Princess of Wales releasing the news of her cancer diagnosis via a moving video, following weeks of speculation after she underwent abdominal surgery at The London Clinic earlier this year.
Royal commentators have suggested that the Royal Family wants to make it clear that Harry and Meghan's return to the UK is not an option at this time. "They've just made it clear in case people think Harry and Meghan can come back," Pierce reiterated. "No, it's not happening. There's no chance of it happening because they are not working members of the Royal Family anymore. They've made their decision and that's it."
There had been previous thoughts that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex could aim to make a return to the UK this year as part of their plans to build their brand and repair their relationship with the royal family and the British public. However, it appears that if Meghan and Harry wanted to return to the UK, they would have a lot of work to do to win back favor in Britain. A recent Ipsos poll for The Evening Standard revealed that just 11% of those asked named Prince Harry as the royal they liked the most, while the Duchess of Sussex only came in at 7%.
Despite the Sussexes' low popularity rankings, they did release a supportive statement shortly after Kate's cancer announcement. "We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace," the couple shared.
Some experts have also suggested that the news of Kate's cancer diagnosis and Prince Charles' recent treatment for cancer may have a significant impact on Harry and Meghan's future plans. Richard Fitzwilliams, a royal commentator, told an outlet that the Sussexes had "slammed the breaks" on their "American Royal Family" plot after learning about Kate's condition. "There isn't anything that the Sussexes are going to be able to do to monetize their connections with the royal family in the future that I can imagine," he said. "I would also think that Harry will be pretty devastated by the news of his father's treatment for cancer, and also what's happened to Catherine."
As the Princess of Wales focuses on her health and recovery, the Royal Family appears to be sending a clear message that Harry and Meghan's presence in the UK is not a priority at this time. The couple's future plans and relationship with the royal family remain uncertain, particularly in light of the recent health crises faced by senior members of the monarchy.
