Conditions for a royal return

King Charles III is reportedly open to Prince Harry returning to duties as an active member of the British royal family, provided he resolves his strained relationship with Prince William. Royal commentator Robert Jobson told the Express that domestic reconciliation remains an essential prerequisite before Harry could resume any official responsibilities. According to Jobson, Harry would need to initiate the reconciliation process by issuing a public apology to his brother, while William would ultimately have to accept King Charles's decision if the monarch chooses to pursue family unity.

“The King will look at that and think that he doesn't want his reign to be marked by division. He wants a strong, united family.”

Relocation and timing factors

Prince Harry and Meghan are preparing to move back to the United Kingdom, where their children, Archie (7) and Lilibet (5), are scheduled to enter British schools in September. While the couple plans to settle in Britain, some of their pets are set to remain in California. Jobson stated that the timing of the planned return is linked to King Charles's ongoing health issues, creating a limited window for Harry to seek reintegration. Under a future reign led by Prince William, such a return would not be permitted, prompting Harry to take steps now.

“Harry knows he can come back, put on his uniform, earn money, and also use this as an opportunity to get back into the royal family.”

Reaction from Thomas Markle

The planned move has deepened the distress of Meghan's 82-year-old father, Thomas Markle, who is currently recovering in an American rehabilitation centre following the surgical amputation of his left leg below the knee. Markle, a former lighting director, told reporters from the Daily Mail and The Mail on Sunday that he learned about his daughter's relocation plans solely through television news on CNN. Having never met Prince Harry or his grandchildren Archie and Lilibet, Markle stated that he felt hurt and abandoned while hospitalised.

“One day these children will ask about their 'other' grandfather. The one who isn't a king. The one Meghan and Harry seem to be ashamed of.”

Origins of the family divide

The complete breakdown in communication between Meghan and her father stems from 2018, when Markle staged paid paparazzi photos ahead of her royal wedding. In a 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Meghan explained that her father denied staging the photographs, an action that permanently damaged their relationship. Tensions with the wider royal family widened after Harry and Meghan stepped back from their official royal roles in 2020, followed by several public interviews, the publication of Harry's memoir Spare, and a Netflix documentary series.

Markle had hoped his daughter would visit his hospital bedside following his surgery in December. With the family now relocating to the United Kingdom, he noted that his prospects of ever meeting his grandchildren in person have effectively disappeared.