More than four years after stepping down as a working royal and moving to the US, Prince Harry could be plotting his return home. Last week, it was reported that the Duke of Sussex, who turns 40 on 15 September, has sought advice from trusted former aides in a bid to spend more time in the UK and repair his relationship with King Charles.
But with wife Meghan Markle adamant on staying put, a source has told heat that the idea of Harry ingratiating himself back into old circles has left her feeling panicked – and sparked fears she could lose him.
‘Meghan tries to bite her tongue and not criticise Harry’s family, but she’s protective of him,’ says our insider. ‘He’s not just her husband and the father of her kids, he’s her soulmate, as well. She’s trying to stay calm, but she’s understandably worried that Harry is getting his hopes up for nothing and will ultimately be let down all over again. She also knows how powerful the Palace is and how much a lot of people there would love to see the back of her. It’s hard not to be afraid that, one day, Harry’s going to change his mind and insist on being back in the UK full-time, especially if his fears over security are sorted out.’
Meghan, 34, has made no secret of the fact she won’t return to Britain. Since moving to Montecito in California with Harry – where they live with children Archie, five, and Lilibet, three – she’s only come back a handful of times, the last time being the Queen’s funeral in September 2022. Meanwhile, Harry has made a number of solo visits, most recently for the funeral of his uncle Lord Robert Fellowes, the brother-in-law of his late mother, Princess Diana.
Our source continues, ‘Meghan has made it clear she would never come back to the UK and the idea of losing Harry is her worst nightmare. She doesn’t want him to take his focus off what they’re building in America, so the fact that he’s made so many trips back to London and planning many more is stoking her anxiety.’
But while Harry tries to build bridges with his estranged family and friends, we’re told that the royals have a severe lack of trust when it comes to Meghan.
‘Nobody would go so far as to try and push Harry away from Meghan, but the fact that he’s still perceived as her personal puppy dog is the big reason William, Camilla and many others won’t budge an inch right now,’ says the insider. ‘Even his UK friends are worried about the fallout that comes with being perceived as Team Sussex – not so much due to Harry, but because Meghan is so resented and distrusted by all corners of British high society at this point. If Harry is lucky enough to make amends with his loved ones, then he’d be wise to do so by himself and not involve Meghan. That’s just the reality he has to live with, as painful as it must be for him. He does find it pretty tragic that so many people won’t give her any kind of a chance, but his hope is that if and when he’s accepted back into the inner circle, he’ll be able to convince people to let their guard down with Meghan.’
But despite the Duchess’ strained relationship with the royal family, we’re told she’s supporting Harry no matter what. ‘Meghan is doing her best to be supportive and stay positive,’ says the insider. ‘Harry’s been reaching out to old friends, and is even talking about potentially going over again at Christmas. He’s also hopeful that the truce talks with his father can actually happen soon.
'He’s been getting word that Charles is open for that at some point, and Meghan would love for that to be true. She wants him to have peace, but at the same time, she can’t help but feel slightly sceptical.'