Prince Harry appears to be reassessing his life in California and contemplating a return to the UK, with reports emerging of him reaching out to former friends and associates. This development comes over four years after Harry and Meghan Markle's dramatic exit from their royal duties, a move that led them to relocate to the United States in pursuit of new ventures.
According to a recent report by the Mail On Sunday, the Duke of Sussex has been sending conciliatory WhatsApp messages to a number of his old school friends. The outreach reportedly includes reconnecting with a former aide from his royal days, marking a significant shift from his recent Hollywood-centric approach. A source close to Harry revealed, "Harry is turning away from all sorts of Hollywood publicists and is seeking counsel from his old friends and associates. He is clearly reaching out thinking, 'I need to do something different because what I'm doing is clearly not working.'"
This change in strategy highlights Harry's apparent dissatisfaction with his current circumstances. Sources suggest that Harry is feeling increasingly isolated, a sentiment underscored by his recent trip to Colombia with Meghan Markle. The visit, billed as a DIY royal tour, saw Meghan taking center stage with her speech on female empowerment, while Harry reportedly faded into the background.
Royal editor Matt Wilkinson commented on the trip, stating, "A lot of it was about Meghan. A lot of the images and the words sent out to us via the Sussex press office were all about Meghan. The whole thing was created about Meghan." Wilkinson added that Harry appeared "grumpy" and "a bit like 'the spare'," reflecting his discontent during the trip.
The Duke's apparent desire to reconnect with his roots extends beyond personal friendships. Reports indicate that Harry's former chief of staff, Josh Kettler, left his position after just three months, suggesting internal shifts as Harry re-evaluates his public image and career strategy.
The Mail On Sunday also noted that Harry's efforts to mend fences with old acquaintances are part of a broader strategy to potentially reintegrate into the British royal circle. This includes the symbolic gesture of not adding new content to the paperback edition of his controversial memoir, "Spare." Originally published in January 2023, the book made headlines with its candid revelations about the royal family. The decision to keep the paperback version unchanged, according to sources, might be an attempt to smooth over relations with King Charles and Prince William.
Further adding to the speculation of a potential royal reintegration, there were reports earlier this year that Harry had expressed willingness to step into a temporary royal role to support his family during a health crisis. A source told The Times, "On all practical levels it makes perfect sense for the family to come together to support the King while he's sick. Much has been said on both sides in recent years, but that has never diminished the fundamental bond of blood."
Despite these gestures, a permanent return to the UK remains uncertain. Insiders suggest that Harry's current plan, dubbed "Operation Bring Harry In From The Cold," is focused on reestablishing connections and testing the waters for a potential reintegration into British royal life.
The evolving narrative of Prince Harry's life underscores a significant shift from his previous focus on American ventures and public profiles. As he navigates these changes, his efforts to reconcile with old friends and family reflect a broader quest for personal and professional reinvention. Whether these moves will pave the way for a formal return to royal duties remains to be seen, but the signs of change are becoming increasingly apparent.
For now, Prince Harry's actions suggest a growing sense of disillusionment with his American life and a potential readiness to explore new avenues within the royal fold. As the situation develops, it will be closely watched by both royal observers and the public, eager to see how Harry's journey unfolds in the coming months.
