Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's UK Return Prompts King Charles and Prince William to Hold Balmoral Summit
The news, made public on Wednesday, surprised the wider royal family, as other senior members were unaware of any relocation plans.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's sudden move to the UK has reportedly left Prince William and Kate Middleton 'blindsided,' and it is understood that King Charles learned of the Sussexes' plans only days before the proposed announcement. According to Cosmopolitan, the royal family seems to have been hurt since the news first broke on the Duke and Duchess's side. "If this were really about rebuilding trust with the royal family, the palace would have been given the respect of making the announcement. Instead, Harry and Meghan made the announcement themselves in America," Rob Shuter wrote in his Naughty But Nice Substack. Their imminent landing has certainly put the royals on alert since, although the extended family has descended on Balmoral for their annual summer retreat, the unofficial gathering has been dubbed a 'summit'.
GBN News reported that Charles and William are expected to hold a discussion at the Aberdeenshire estate about Harry and Markle's unexpected return to Britain after six years. William was on holiday with Middleton and their children, and the meeting followed a traditional summer gathering. The news, made public on Wednesday, surprised the wider royal family, as other senior members were unaware of any relocation plans during the Sussexes' visit in early July.
One of the major issues for the royal family to address is funding the Sussexes' protection, as they intend to set up a base in a non-royal home outside London. A security expert estimated the annual cost for round-the-clock coverage for a family of four could range from approximately $4 million (£3 million) to $6 million (£5 million). Meanwhile, Prime Minister Andy Burnham has already dusted it off as a "private matter."
A former cabinet minister criticized the public's perception of Harry's situation, calling it "a display of flagrant entitlement." Meanwhile, the Prince and Princess of Wales have yet to make a public statement on the Sussexes' return. King Charles is reportedly pleased about spending more time with his younger son's family but has emphasized that they will not be permitted to resume royal duties.
A YouGov survey indicated that only 21% of 5,810 adults support the couple's return, while 45% remain undecided. Meanwhile, sources have told Women's Day that William has been holding crisis talks with his team since he suspects his younger brother is about to commit the same mistakes upon his return.
"They’re absolutely fuming to be blindsided like this but, like the King, there’s nothing they can do about it," a source stated. "William suspects Harry and Meghan actually do think they’re going to be accepted back onto the Royal roster.
It may not happen overnight, but William’s convinced this is their long game—and he’s stunned that Harry thinks there would be even remotely a chance." Only the coming days will tell whether the Sussexes have succeeded in finally finding their footing in the royal fold.
