Royal Tensions Resurface as William and Kate Prepare for Possible Meghan and Harry Homecoming
Some believe Prince William and Middleton hiring an expert in crisis management could indicate they “know that there may be trouble ahead.”
Prince William and Kate Middleton are said to be gearing up for renewed tensions as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are rumored to be laying groundwork for their return to the UK, and the Wales couple is aware that ‘there may be trouble ahead’ for them. The speculation has come to light amid fresh chatter that the Duke and the Duchess of Sussex could step back onto British soil a little later this year. This prospect, many experts believe, has already prompted quiet preparations behind palace walls.
Those preparations, according to the Daily Mail, include the reported hiring of Liza Ravenscroft, a communications professional with a background in crisis management. She shall be working with Kensington Palace press operations. As per the publication, Ravenscroft was Julius Payne’s recommendation, a former communications secretary to King Charles and Queen Camilla. A source quoted by the outlet claimed, “It is unlikely to be a coincidence that one of his most senior and respected members of staff has taken a key role in William’s office after a period of turmoil – and when they are looking for closer alignment between Kensington Palace and Buckingham Palace as minds turn to William’s eventual succession.” Another source, however, insisted that Ravenscroft is working in a “non crisis” PR role.
The timing of such a move has fueled commentary, particularly amidst the backdrop of chatter about Prince Harry and Markle could return to the UK during the summer time for an Invictus Games–related event, marking one year to go until the 2027 Games in Birmingham. Harry, after having found the Invictus Games in 2014, and his wife, Markle, has previously attended the games and related engagements. Some sources have also claimed that Harry would love to open the 2027 Invictus Games alongside his father, King Charles. The rumor mills have kicked into high gear since then, as the family bonds are still fractured.
As per the Daily Mail, royal commentator Diary Editor Richard Eden believes that Prince William and Middleton hiring an expert in crisis management could indicate they “know that there may be trouble ahead.” He added that the recent stories about the possible Sussex return “serve to put pressure on the king and the rest of the royal family to roll out the red carpet for the Sussexes, even though the California-based couple have never apologised for their disgraceful attacks.” Eden further claimed that this “PR offensive is part of the establishment ‘plot’” to restore Harry and Markle to the “affections of the British public,” concluding that while Ravenscroft's role may be “non-crisis” for now, that could quickly change.
Meanwhile, Prince Harry is expected to return to the UK as early as next week, albeit without Markle, to give evidence in a high court case against the publisher of the Daily Mail. The privacy lawsuit already involves several high-profile claimants, including Sir Elton John and Liz Hurley, and is reportedly set to begin on Monday, January 19. Despite setting foot back in his home country, Harry won’t be meeting his family. King Charles is supposed to be in Scotland for a royal engagement post-Christmas break, while Prince William and Kate will also be travelling to the North for official engagements. It’s telling of how far apart the family still remains, as another potential Sussex chapter looms.
