Meghan Markle and her husband, Prince Harry, have faced ongoing tensions with the royal family since stepping back from royal duties in January 2020. The couple relocated to Montecito, California, where they now lead a vastly different life compared to their time in the UK, raising their two children, Lilibet and Archie.

Not long after their departure from the UK, the couple began sharing their side of the story. Their widely-discussed interview with Oprah, a Netflix series, and Harry’s memoir Spare became major global headlines. The Sussexes didn’t hold back, making numerous allegations against members of the royal family. These explosive claims painted a clear picture of the strained relations and laid the groundwork for the current state of limited contact between the two sides.

Since leaving royal life, Meghan has made only a few visits back to the UK. However, there is speculation that she might return in May, potentially marking the start of reconciliation between Harry and Meghan and Prince William and Kate Middleton. Yet, the path to mending these relationships may be difficult, as a royal expert has suggested Meghan Markle has two conditions, including a “groveling apology,” before she considers making amends.

After settling in the US, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle quickly appeared in a high-profile interview with Oprah Winfrey. This interview marked the beginning of a very public and intense feud between the Sussexes and the royal family, with Prince William and Kate Middleton taking prominent roles on the UK side.

Prince Harry & Meghan Markle

Harry and Meghan featured in their own Netflix mini-series, and later, following the release of Harry’s book Spare, tensions escalated.

Prince William and Kate Middleton were mentioned in the book, as Harry shared various personal insights about the royal family. He expressed how his experience as the “spare” within the royal family was far from pleasant.

Meanwhile, members of the royal family, including Prince William, chose not to respond or comment on Harry’s criticisms. As of now, Prince William is only willing to speak to his brother if he receives a genuine apology, according to Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine.

“William would be upset that Harry yet again has chosen to make this visit to see his father a PR opportunity,” she told The Sun. “As far as William is concerned, he has absolutely no interest in speaking to Harry until Harry behaves like a gentleman and apologizes for the years of rudeness and slurs he has aimed at William and the Princess of Wales.”

“William must be privately furious thinking over all the years how he supported Harry, and at this one moment in his life when his 75-year-old father and wife of 13 years are both potentially seriously unwell, all Harry can think about is Harry and using it as an opportunity to announce his arrival and expect to see William.”

Both Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attended Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, but the Duchess did not accompany her husband to King Charles’ coronation last year.

“Megan doesn’t feel guilty about Kate”

Despite attending the coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey, Harry quickly left to return to the US. If reports are to be believed, the royal family was reportedly delighted by his swift departure.

King Charles appears to be the most eager to see his two sons reconcile, not just for his own peace of mind but also for their future. Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle were once viewed as key figures in the monarchy’s future alongside their husbands, but their time together did not end on good terms.

So, is reconciliation between the two couples even a possibility? Royal expert Tom Quinn believes it’s highly unlikely.

Speaking to The Mirror, Quinn explained that Meghan felt Kate didn’t offer her enough support during her time as a working royal. Additionally, he claimed Meghan thought the two should have bonded, given their shared experiences as “outsiders” marrying into the royal family.

“Meghan doesn’t feel guilty about Kate, because she feels that Kate should’ve been the one person in the royal family to back her against every difficulty,” Tom Quinn told The Mirror. “Apart from anything else, Meghan knew Kate was an outsider, so she just couldn’t understand why Kate always towed the royal line rather than supporting her, Meghan, the other outsider.”

Harry and Meghan reportedly reached out to Kate Middleton to send their well wishes after her abdominal surgery. However, it’s said that they learned about Kate’s cancer through news reports.

Some suggest that Kate Middleton’s health struggles could serve as a pathway to mending her relationship with Meghan Markle. However, Quinn argues the relationship has become too “poisonous” to repair.

“Kate’s cancer diagnosis has been a real shock for Meghan, but she can see no way to patch up the relationship simply because it has become so poisonous,” he said. “She also doesn’t want people saying that she is trying to make things up with Kate just because Kate is ill. Meghan still feels Kate was in the wrong and should apologize before they try to build bridges.”

Prince Harry & Meghan Markle to visit UK?

Prince Harry recently made a brief trip to the UK after his father, King Charles, was diagnosed with cancer. The two reportedly had a short meeting at Sandringham, though Prince William was not present. The brothers are not on speaking terms, and despite Harry allegedly offering to assist the royal family with engagements during this difficult time, William would “never agree to it.”

The Sussexes may soon return to the UK, but it will be unrelated to the royal family. On May 8, the Invictus Games anniversary event will take place, featuring a service at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.

Prince Harry, the founder of the Invictus Games, is expected to attend. According to Express, Meghan is “listed as a guest” for the event.