The Royal Family has faced a very tumultuous few weeks. As ever, there continues to be talk of the UK-based royals’ relationship with Prince Harry and Meghan, who are now settled in Montecito, California. The pair left the UK when they decided to renounce their roles as working royals, and have now created a life for themselves and their children, Archie and Lilibet, across the pond.
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After a slew of accusations made by the couple against the Royal Family, revealed in interviews and Harry’s infamous memoir Spare, relations have been tense. In the wake of Kate Middleton’s Friday 22 March announcement, attention has turned to Prince Harry’s plan to return to the UK in May. Here’s why he is coming back, and why insiders don’t think his visit will build any bridges.
Prince Harry to return to UK
Prince Harry is set to attend the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games in May, which will take place at St Paul’s Cathedral. He lost his legal battle against the government over his right to automatic police protection, so it seems unlikely that Meghan or the children will accompany him.
The Prince’s travel plans are yet to be confirmed. However, much like when Prince Harry dashed back to visit King Charles after his diagnosis, people are hopeful this visit could help patch things up between Prince Harry and his family.
Unlikely to build bridges
However, sources close to Prince William and Princess Kate have said that the ‘Harry problem’ is far down on their list of priorities right now. A royal source told The Telegraph over the weekend that Prince William ‘has always done all he can to protect his family’. Is this likely, now, to involve a reparation mission with his brother?
While many doubt that Prince William would welcome some form of making-up with his brother, others have pointed out that Princess Kate would play a key role.
Princess Kate as mediator
The Princess of Wales, once described by Prince Harry as the ‘big sister I never had’, could play a role in their reconciliation. She has done it before, notably during Prince Philip’s funeral.
This came just weeks after the Sussexes’ explosive Oprah interview. As the family came walking back to Windsor Castle after the service, Princess Kate was spotted chatting to Prince Harry. After a while, she dropped back to allow Prince William and Prince Harry to have a moment alone together.
This time, of course, the brothers will be in the same country under another set of challenging circumstances. Time will tell what happens when Prince Harry returns, and whether he will see the Waleses at all.
Read more:
⋙ Prince Harry and Meghan reportedly hire new photographer to take photos of Archie and Lilibet
⋙ Meghan Markle's new brand American Riviera Orchard is already being criticised
⋙ Royal Family offering £25K annual salary for new communications assistant
Sources used:
Express: Royal Family LIVE: Prince Harry to 'solo visit' UK after Princess Kate cancer news
The Telegraph: Why Prince Harry’s hopes of a reconciliation with William and Kate are likely to be thwarted
