Prince Harry Left One Thing Out of His July Reunion With King Charles — and It Backfired, Per Expert
The King's guidance letter has affirmed Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's status as private citizens after their dramatic return to the UK.
Prince Harry and King Charles had a private reunion in July — a sign that tensions between them had eased, with the monarch also meeting Meghan Markle and his grandchildren, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The Sussexes had landed in the UK last month for an extended stay, their first in almost six years, with reports indicating Charles learned of the decision just days before it went public. Now, a royal expert has revisited that July reunion, pointing to a small misstep the Duke may have made — one that could be widening the rift with his father rather than closing it.
"I think the slight error, possibly on Harry's side, is that when he came in July and had that lovely meeting, we are told, with the King at Highgrove, with the kids and with Meghan and Camilla, I think it might have been a slight mistake not to have discussed the fact that he was thinking about moving back to the UK a few weeks after that, because the whole move back has really taken the Palace by surprise," royal editor at The Sunday Times Roya Nikkhah noted while appearing on Times Radio.
Nikkhah further stated that the development surprised the King, prompting him to seek clarification regarding his position. King Charles released a guidance letter via the Lord Chamberlain on Monday, affirming the Sussexes' status as 'non-working' royals.
Nikkah further suggested that a simple update from the Duke's side could have averted the current dispute, stating that a better run-up might have changed the situation. "I think had there been a little bit more of a run-up to think about it, we might not be in this situation now," she highlighted. This comes as Uganda withdrew from Harry's Invictus Games, with the military chief stating that participation is contingent upon the King's approval. Meanwhile, the Lord Chamberlain's Office contacted government departments and the military after requests for guidance following the Sussexes' return.
Following the palace's move, the couple has reportedly preferred to be referred to as "public figures." Nikkah also observed that recent events signify a troubling shift in the relationship between Harry and his father, suggesting that hopes for reconciliation have diminished. She perceived their interaction as a renewed public conflict, undermining expectations for improvement following their return.
"I just think their re-entry to life here is going to be very, very difficult," Nikkhah concluded. The Sussexes are believed to be residing on the outskirts of London after news came in that they have enrolled their children in British school. Harry and Markle have continued to remain in touch with various charities after their return; however, the palace has given strict guidance outlining their activity as private citizens.
