Royal courtiers believe that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could potentially rejoin the Royal Family, but only under specific circumstances.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back from royal duties nearly five years ago and relocated to the U.S., pursuing independent projects such as their deals with Spotify and Netflix. Their latest venture, a Netflix series centered on polo, is set to debut in December, though Harry appears only in the production credits alongside Meghan.
Meanwhile, other royal family members have gained recognition for their service. The Duchess of Edinburgh, Sophie, recently received a prestigious honor by becoming patron of Plan International UK, a global children’s charity previously supported by the late Prince Philip.
A Model for Reconciliation
According to courtiers, Sophie and her husband, Prince Edward, could serve as examples for Harry and Meghan. The couple overcame their own controversies and transitioned into full-time royal roles, earning respect over the years for their devotion to the crown.
In 2002, Prince Edward stepped away from his television production company, Ardent, after it was revealed that the company’s crew had violated royal privacy guidelines by filming Prince William at university. Similarly, Sophie faced a scandal when tapes leaked in 2001 revealed critical comments about then-Prime Minister Tony Blair, his wife Cherie, and even senior royals like Prince Charles and Camilla.
Despite these setbacks, Sophie and Edward committed themselves fully to royal duties, and their efforts have since paid off. Courtiers suggest that Harry and Meghan could follow a similar path if they are willing to make significant changes.
A Possible Return to Royal Life
Royal writer Richard Eden has reported that sources within the Palace believe Harry is open to resuming royal duties. According to Eden, Harry misses the sense of purpose he felt during his time as a working royal, when he used his position to champion charitable causes. “Harry’s heart is not in the TV projects—it’s obvious to anyone,” one insider reportedly said.
The duke seems to be absent from POLO, as his name is mentioned solely in the production credits alongside Meghan Markle.
Polo, a behind-the-scenes look at the fast-paced and glamorous world of the sport, is coming to Netflix on December 10.
Follow elite global players on and off the field as they compete in the high-stakes U.S. Open Polo Championship. From executive producers Prince Harry and… pic.twitter.com/P4oaALuFA0
— Netflix (@netflix) November 21, 2024
Courtiers have indicated that if Harry and Meghan were willing to step away from their private ventures and return to royal life, they would be welcomed back under King Charles’ reign. However, this opportunity may not extend into Prince William’s future monarchy, as William is believed to be less forgiving than his father.
‘Prince William is unlikely to be as forgiving as his father’
Eden further asserted that upon learning of King Charles’ cancer diagnosis, Harry expressed to his friends a willingness to assume a temporary royal position to assist his father. Nevertheless, Harry’s proposal was never acted upon.
Eden indicated that Harry and Meghan might be contemplating a return to royal responsibilities in order to secure financial support, particularly as their multi-million-pound agreement with Netflix approaches renewal in 2025. “If the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are willing to relinquish their private endeavors and re-enter royal life, they would be welcomed back,” Eden reported one courtier as stating.
He continued, “Certainly, this would be the case as long as King Charles remains the monarch. Prince William is unlikely to exhibit the same level of leniency as his father.”
