Prince Harry and Meghan’s UK Return Could Create ‘Rival Courts’ — and What It Means for Prince William
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's comeback to the UK might not sit right with the future king, Prince William.
When the news of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s return to the UK hit the stands this week, one quiet question slowly unraveled itself as the hours ticked by: What about their rift with Prince William and Kate Middleton? It is no secret that the two parties don’t see eye to eye and have been estranged for the past several years. After Markle and Harry’s departure from the Firm, it was the Prince and Princess of Wales who single-handedly carried the monarchy through its toughest times. However, that might soon change.
Last month, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex extended an olive branch to King Charles as they met for a private meeting at Highgrove, along with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. However, even then, William and Middleton kept their distance from the family reunion and tended to their busy calendar. The rift and the shocking comeback may open the possibility of “two rival courts” of the brothers. “In the long term, the return of the Sussexes to the UK opens up the prospect of two rival courts, William's and Harry's. In the short term, Harry will be able to deepen his rapprochement with his father,” royal expert Peter Hunt told the Daily Mail.
Harry’s return to his home country might not sit right with his older brother, as Hunt added, “His presence back home will make it harder for his brother to duck a reconciliation. The surprise return of Harry and Meghan is likely to have left William apoplectic.” It is believed that the two siblings, who were once extremely close, are no longer on speaking terms. Despite being first cousins, Archie and Lilibet have likely never met Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis either.
Another royal expert, Richard Fitzwilliams, believes the timing of Harry and Markle’s return is calculated to avoid any complications. He said via the Daily Mail, “This is actually an extremely serious situation. What they have done is very clearly chosen King Charles's reign to do this knowing their options might be very limited when, and if, William becomes king.” He further suspected that the Prince of Wales would look “very closely” at their titles and “possibly the titles of their children”. He added, “William will see this as total proof they couldn't be trusted for a single second.”
The Sussexes’ return won’t make life “easy” for William and Middleton, and “how they were hoping the monarchy would progress”. While speculation is running wild, no concrete details about Harry and Markle’s accommodation or Archie and Lilibet’s school have yet been revealed. However, with the UK school term starting early next month, the trans-Atlantic travel may happen very soon.
It is being reported that Charles was told about the homecoming on Sunday, only a few days before the news was disclosed to the world. According to Fitzwilliams, if indeed that was the case, it was “utterly ruthless” of Harry to do so.
