As Prince Harry navigates the complexities of life outside the royal family, speculation is mounting about whether the Duke of Sussex might seek a return to his former royal duties. After a tumultuous period in Hollywood marked by mixed success, some royal insiders suggest that Harry could be contemplating a path back to the United Kingdom-a move that experts warn could be fraught with challenges and potential pitfalls.
Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, made global headlines in 2020 when they stepped down from their roles as senior members of the British royal family and relocated to California. The couple has since pursued a variety of media ventures, including a lucrative deal with Netflix. However, their endeavors in the entertainment industry have not all met with the success they may have hoped for. This, combined with recent developments within the royal family, has fueled rumors that Harry may be reconsidering his decision to leave the royal fold.
One significant factor driving this speculation is King Charles III's recent health scare. Earlier this year, the monarch was reportedly diagnosed with cancer, a revelation that has added a new layer of complexity to the already strained relationship between Harry and his family. Some observers believe that this could open the door for a potential reconciliation and a return to royal duties for Harry.
However, any such return would be anything but straightforward. Grant Harrold, a former royal butler, has cautioned that King Charles is likely to be firm in his stance on the matter. "The King feels similar to his late mother-there's no half in, half out," Harrold told GB News, emphasizing that Harry would need to fully commit to royal duties if he were to rejoin the family. "If Harry does come back, he can't do his media work and be a royal. It's not something that they will want to support or endorse or have any sort of connection to."
This sentiment reflects a broader concern within the royal family about the potential conflicts of interest that could arise from Harry's continued involvement in the media. Harrold pointed out that previous attempts by other members of the royal family to engage in television or other media-related activities have not been successful, calling them "a bit of a disaster." The prospect of Harry, a prominent royal, maintaining his media projects while resuming royal duties could create significant tension and further strain his relationships within the family.
Further complicating the situation is the reported rift between Harry and his brother, Prince William. The two princes, once close, have become increasingly estranged, a division that was exacerbated by the publication of Harry's memoir, "Spare." In the book, Harry made a series of damaging claims about his brother, portraying him as volatile and even cruel. Royal commentator Kinsey Schofield noted that the relationship between the brothers is now so fractured that they are not on speaking terms, and any public appearances together are carefully choreographed to avoid interaction.
Harry's criticism of William extended beyond personal grievances. In "Spare," he also made cutting remarks about his brother's appearance, describing William's hair loss in unflattering terms. Such jabs have only deepened the rift and made the prospect of reconciliation even more challenging.
Despite the rumors, sources close to Harry have dismissed the idea that he is seeking to return to royal life. According to reports, Harry is content with his life in California, where he and Meghan have established a close-knit circle of friends and are involved in several upcoming projects. These sources assert that Harry has "no interest" in resuming his royal duties and is focused on his new life in the United States.
Nevertheless, the possibility of Harry rejoining the royal family remains a topic of considerable interest and debate. Should he choose to return, he would need to navigate not only the complexities of royal protocol but also the personal and professional tensions that have arisen since his departure. For King Charles and the rest of the royal family, the decision of whether to welcome Harry back-and under what conditions-could have lasting implications for the monarchy's image and stability.
