5 Things Meghan Markle May Have To Give Up If She And Harry Want A Better Future in UK

Meghan Markle has already traveled across the Atlantic with her kids to support Prince Harry in his decision to move back to the UK. The decision in itself is a huge adjustment for Markle, but she seemingly has even bigger adjustments to make. The Sussexes are now living in the UK as private citizens, with Harry continuing to carry out charity work close to his heart. King Charles has also made it clear that their move has not changed their status within the Royal Family. Hence, the couple's approach to life in Britain may be quite different this time around. And for Markle, a smoother UK chapter could mean some adjusting.

One of the biggest adjustments for Markle would be accepting that Harry will have his own relationship with the Royal Family, and that it does not always have to include her. The royal family may welcome Harry, Archie, and Lilibet as their own flesh and blood, but the picture could look different for Markle. Even earlier, Harry missed out on spending time with Queen Elizabeth in her final days, as the then-Prince Charles did not want Markle in the mix. "Harry was so busy trying to get Meghan to Balmoral and rowing with his family that he missed the flight," a source told the Sun. So, Markle will have to allow Harry to rebuild some of those family connections independently.

If Harry and Markle want a more peaceful life in Britain, keeping a lower profile around royal family moments could help. The Royal Family has generally chosen not to publicly discuss the Sussexes' return or the state of their relationships. Prince William and Princess Kate, in particular, have continued with their royal duties rather than getting involved in the public discussion surrounding Harry and Markle's move. Royal expert Duncan Larcombe on Your Daily Consort podcast recently pointed to their approach as an example of "actions speak louder than words", with the Waleses choosing to continue their work rather than respond publicly to the Sussex story. Markle, too, may do well to stay out of the spotlight at royal events.

Perhaps the biggest thing Markle may have to accept is that moving back to Britain does not mean getting another royal role. This has already been made very clear by the King through his letter. So if the couple's UK future is going to work, Markle may need to completely let go of any expectation that returning to Britain could eventually lead to a new version of royal life. Royal commentator Hilary Fordwich told Fox News that the Highgrove meeting was a small opening rather than an invitation for a full return as senior royals. Harry can still attend events, support charities and have a relationship with his family. Similarly, Markle can build her own life and business in Britain. But neither of them is returning to the monarchy as working royals.

Another adjustment Markle will have to endure is to allow Harry to take centre stage when it comes to his UK work. Harry is, after all, the member of the couple with the deepest connection to Britain. His military history, royal upbringing, Invictus Games work and long-standing charitable relationships all give him an existing role in British public life. And since returning, he has already been doing some of this work alone, like attending the WellChild Awards in September, charity galas, and much more without Markle. However, that does not mean Meghan has to disappear. She can have her own projects but without trying to push herself into the royal mix.