As Prince Harry returns to the UK to attend the WellChild Awards, his role within the Royal Family continues to stir controversy. Royal commentators have branded a potential return to working life for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle as "completely impractical," raising concerns over the couple's relationship with the monarchy. The Duke of Sussex, set to attend the WellChild Awards in London, has also sparked renewed speculation about the future of the Sussexes' involvement in royal activities.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams claims that Harry and Meghan's return to royal duties would cause chaos, describing their potential involvement as a "circus" that would draw attention away from the core mission of the monarchy. Speaking to GB News, Fitzwilliams remarked, "They don't want to come back. You're dealing with an institution that is so serious, if they actually came back you'd have a circus. Every single royal event that involved the Sussexes, you'd have the focus on them, and it would be completely impractical."
Fitzwilliams also argued that without an apology from the Sussexes for their past actions, a return to royal life would be impossible. "Unless Harry and Meghan apologise for the way they have behaved, there is absolutely no way of a return to working life," he stated. His remarks underscore the ongoing tension between the Sussexes and the Royal Family, which has been brewing since their departure from royal duties in 2020.
Prince Harry has been particularly vocal about his grievances, alleging that his wife, Meghan Markle, was mistreated during their time as working royals. Fitzwilliams pointed to the damage done by the couple's public criticism of the Royal Family, calling their actions a "guerrilla war" against the institution. He questioned, "When did the Sussexes last say something favorable about the Royal Family?"
However, there are those who defend the Sussexes' right to return to the UK. Jack Stooks, a former royal gardener, offered a more sympathetic view, suggesting that Harry and Meghan should not be barred from reconnecting with their family. Stooks said, "Harry chose to marry Meghan. Everybody has an opinion, but they haven't been banned from coming back to England. If Harry wants to come back and see his family, why shouldn't he be allowed to do that?"
Despite some support for a potential reconciliation, Fitzwilliams cast doubt on the possibility of Prince Harry mending relations with his brother, Prince William. He cited the deep rift between the two, noting, "I'm afraid the rift is so bad that there is no conversation at the moment. At Lord Fellowes' memorial service, they reportedly didn't say a word to each other."
In addition to the UK visit, Prince Harry is preparing for another significant trip. He will travel to Lesotho and South Africa early next month to promote his charitable work through Sentebale, a charity he co-founded in 2006. The charity supports disadvantaged children in Lesotho and was established as a tribute to his late mother, Princess Diana.
Prince Seeiso of Lesotho expressed his excitement for Harry's visit, stating, "It fills me, the team, and our wider community with joy to welcome Prince Harry, or Mohale, as we affectionately refer to him by his Sesotho royal name, which means 'warrior.'" Seeiso emphasized the importance of Prince Harry's ongoing commitment to the children of Lesotho, adding, "Now more than ever, as we look to the challenges of our young generation here in Lesotho, the collective energy of both local and international individuals and organizations is embraced."
As Prince Harry steps up his official engagements following his 40th birthday on September 15, questions continue to loom over his future within the Royal Family. His involvement with Sentebale underscores his dedication to causes close to his heart, but it remains unclear how his relationship with the British monarchy will evolve.
The broader issue of trust has emerged as a central theme in the debate over Harry and Meghan's potential return to royal life. Fitzwilliams asserted, "Who would trust them? They've done enormous damage to the Royal Family, and there's no sign of reconciliation." This skepticism has led many to believe that the Sussexes are unlikely to resume royal duties in any meaningful capacity.
For now, Prince Harry's return to the UK is centered on his charitable work, but the lingering tension between the Sussexes and the Royal Family suggests that any possibility of rejoining the monarchy remains distant. With Harry and Meghan firmly settled in California and pursuing their own projects, their future within the Royal Family continues to be a subject of heated debate.
