Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly planning a return to the UK after more than six years living primarily in the United States, in what reports published this week suggested could represent an initial step towards reconciliation with the Royal Family.
A royal expert has suggested that Prince Harry could eventually seek a greater role within the royal fold, although significant groundwork would first be required. Neither Buckingham Palace nor representatives for the Sussexes have publicly confirmed such plans.
For context, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back as senior working royals in 2020. Since departing the UK, the couple have given several high-profile interviews, released a Netflix documentary series about their lives and seen Harry publish his memoir, Spare.
Reports suggest the planned return to the UK is part of a broader effort to restore his relationship with his father. Whether the move would mark a permanent relocation or lead to any change in the Sussexes' royal status remains unclear.
The King is reportedly pleased at the prospect of spending more time with his youngest son and his family following their recent reconciliation efforts.
However, there has been no official indication that Harry and Meghan's status as non-working royals would change if they returned to Britain.
According to royal expert Robert Jobson, speaking to the Express, Harry's longer-term ambitions could involve rebuilding his relationship with the institution.
Jobson suggested Harry's long-term aim is to return to the fold, linking that possibility in part to the money and security associated with being part of the Royal Family.
The award-winning author suggested that Harry understands what could be required to rebuild his former standing within the institution.
'Harry knows he can come back, put on his uniform, make some money, and also use that as an angle to get back into the Royal Family,' Jobson told the publication.
Jobson noted that the King is undergoing cancer treatment, adding that Harry knows he has to act now because Jobson believes such a move would not be allowed under William.
The assessment suggests Harry may face a limited window in which to rebuild his relationship with the wider Royal Family while Charles remains receptive to reconciliation. However, there has been no confirmation that the King has offered Harry a return to official duties.
It is not just Harry who may favour reconciliation, according to the author. Jobson pointed out that Harry is fifth in line to the throne, while his children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are sixth and seventh, respectively.
Jobson argued that repairing the family relationship could also matter to Charles' legacy as monarch. He said the King would not want his reign to be defined by division and would instead want a strong, unified Royal Family.
Harry and Charles have recently shown signs of a personal thaw, but his relationship with Prince William remains considerably more strained.
