Prince Harry is reportedly preparing for a solo return to the United Kingdom, marking a notable shift in his strategy to repair ties with the British Royal Family. The move, first reported by RadarOnline, reflects what insiders describe as a reluctant acknowledgment that reconciliation may only be possible if Meghan Markle remains on the sidelines.
The Duke of Sussex, now 40, has "totally accepted" that efforts to rebuild relationships with his father King Charles and brother Prince William must proceed without the involvement of his wife, according to sources cited by RadarOnline. "He's beginning to see that including Meghan only complicates things with the royals," a source said. "So he's accepted - though not happily - that going it alone might be the only option for now."
The couple's estrangement from the monarchy began in 2020 when they stepped down from royal duties and relocated to California with their children, Archie and Lilibet. Tensions escalated following a series of highly publicized projects-most notably the Oprah Winfrey interview, the Netflix documentary Harry & Meghan, and Harry's memoir Spare-that leveled accusations of racism and emotional neglect against senior members of the Royal Family.
In February, Harry briefly visited King Charles following the monarch's cancer diagnosis. However, during a two-day visit to London in May, the King reportedly declined to meet with his son. The relationship has shown no visible signs of repair. Last week, the Royal Family's Armed Forces Day tribute omitted Harry entirely, despite his decade of military service.
Sources close to the Duke describe him as "shocked, stunned and sad" over the length and severity of the estrangement. According to one insider, "He's finally realized that the way he handled things before hasn't brought any progress."
A second source told RadarOnline that Harry "wants back into the royal fold and is feeling totally lost in America - it's Meghan's home and world, not his." The source added, "If there's any hope of reconnecting with his family, he knows he has to try without her."
Plans are underway for Harry to invite senior royals to the 2027 Invictus Games in Birmingham. He is reportedly willing to attend the event without Markle if that increases the likelihood of their participation. "Harry really wants his family to show up and support the event," a source said.
Meanwhile, Markle remains in California where she is focused on her lifestyle brand As Ever and her Netflix project With Love, Meghan. Their reported move to Portugal is on hold, with construction on their $4 million villa incomplete.
Separate reports suggest that Harry's desire for reconciliation is being viewed as unrealistic by palace aides. "He wants Archie and Lilibet to be able to choose for themselves if they return to royal duties," a source told RadarOnline. But a royal insider dismissed the notion, saying Harry is "absolutely mad" for thinking "he can get his children back into the royal fold as working royals."
Another aide reportedly said, "It doesn't make sense" that the couple would want their children to assume royal duties after publicly denouncing the institution as "unbearable." A source concluded bluntly, They will "never be able to get back into the royal family."
