Meghan Markle’s UK Return Has Fans Predicting a Major Change for Kate Middleton — And It’s Happened Before
Meghan Markle's shocking return to the UK may prompt a major change in Kate Middleton's calendar according to fans.
Despite her enduring popularity, one particular critique hasn’t left Kate Middleton’s back - her abysmal workload. The beloved royal had been forgiven by the public for her health struggles over the past few years, but as she returned to royal duties after her remission was confirmed last year, the old debate soon followed. However, things took a turn last month when Meghan Markle and Prince Harry visited the UK, and fans believe a similar change may be on the cards soon.
Middleton, who is usually criticized for being work-shy, suspiciously had a busy calendar right as her estranged relatives, Markle and Harry, traveled to the UK in July. The Princess of Wales, along with her husband, even chose to keep her distance from the Sussexes’ reunion with King Charles at Highgrove. Instead, she opted to complete the grueling Three Peaks Challenge, attend Wimbledon matches, and cheer on Prince William at the Royal Charity Polo Cup. The Prince of Wales also undertook quite a few public engagements. The couple had pulled the same move when the Duke of Sussex visited the UK in September last year.
Royal fans believe the Princess of Wales will increase her work tally due to Markle and Harry’s return to the UK for an extended period of time. Sharing a video of a scared woman, one X user wrote, "Kate Middleton first day back at Kensington Palace cause now she has to work in order to eclipse Meghan MARKLE," while another added, "The gag is we won’t even see Meghan. Just the mere essence of her presence will send the rest if the royals working overtime."
One user on X commented, "When Kate Middleton found out that Harry and Meghan were moving back to the UK, she realized she needed to improve her English, stop mumbling, and increase her workdays beyond just once a month. NO NO NO!!!" while another countered, "I think the future Queen consort will be just fine." Other X users also defended Middleton as one said, "Why would William and Catherine increase their workload? Harry and meghan are not working royals they are private citizens only who will be keeping their heads down in the UK," while another stated, "They are not panicking and will carry on with their duties regardless of the duplicitous duo as they have for the last 6 years."
In the first quarter of 2026, Middleton recorded only 11 solo engagements. The workload was in no way comparable to King Charles', who had completed 86 solo outings despite his age and cancer treatment. Although the princess is firmly ruling British hearts, as she placed second in the July YouGov polls behind William, she may be forced to take on more public engagements in the coming months.
In the past few months, Harry and Markle have undertaken tours and visits that are eerily similar to royal duties, despite not being part of the Firm. Perhaps the only difference between the couple’s trip to Australia in April this year and a royal tour was that the former was privately funded, as per reports. The Sussexes have seemingly achieved their initial request of undertaking public engagements without being senior working royals.
No concrete details about Harry and Markle’s accommodation or schooling plan have been revealed. However, it is being reported that Charles was informed of the family’s return to the UK on Sunday, days before the news was announced to the world.
