Meghan and Harry Are Inching Toward 'Working Royal' Status — But William May Have the Final Word, Source Claims
The late Queen rejected the Sussexes' desire for a lifestyle that blended royal and private aspects when they left royal life.
Since stepping back from their roles as senior royals in 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have aimed to redefine their lives around independence and privacy. They relocated to Montecito, California, while still continuing with their philanthropic and commercial deals. Now, reportedly, the former working royals are planning a strategic re-entry into the royal family with their highly anticipated 5-day UK trip next month. This move has been possible only because of the generous support of King Charles, who is seeking reconciliation with his grandchildren. However, royal sources believe there is more to what meets the eye when it comes to the Sussexes.
Journalist Rob Shuter recently highlighted in his Naughty But Nice substack that the Sussexes are morphing into unofficial 'working royals' again. Because of the upcoming trip, they will be able to realize their goals of attaining royal status, protection, access, and family support while living away from the 'firm'. "This is essentially the arrangement Harry and Meghan proposed years ago," a palace source told Shuter. "The difference is that Queen Elizabeth said no."
The Sussexes' arrival marks the commemoration of the one-year countdown to the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027. This trip will also be their first family visit to the country in four years, accompanied by their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The late Queen rejected the Sussexes' desire for a lifestyle that blended royal and private aspects after they left royal life, saying that the monarchy is not a part-time job. Meanwhile, sources believe King Charles has become emotionally hooked to the idea of meeting his grandchildren and broken the rule.
"They’re not working royals," an insider highlighted. "But they’re receiving many of the benefits that come with being working royals." The source continued, "Charles is a father before he is a king when it comes to Harry. He wants peace, he wants unity, and he wants a relationship with his grandchildren." However, there seems to be a major hurdle when it comes to the grand reunion - Prince William, who operates on his own wavelength.
Sources note that the Prince of Wales always 'wants accountability.' According to The Daily Mail, William is not thrilled about his younger brother's return. Royal insiders reported that the King's gesture towards Harry has heightened tensions with William, who remains unforgiving. A source indicated that their relationship is at a low point, though this was strongly denied by individuals close to the King and William, who asserted that their relationship remains positive and unchanged.
According to sources, the Prince of Wales thinks his father is making a "misjudgment" by attempting to mend his connection with Harry. It has been claimed that William has no intention of forgiving his younger brother for allegations of racism in the royal family made in his memoir, Spare, and during the infamous interview with Oprah Winfrey. There has reportedly been no communication between the siblings since the late Queen's burial in 2022. It may seem like the Sussexes are finally having their way, but sources concluded to Shuter that "For now, the King is getting his way—but everyone knows the future belongs to William."
