Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have returned to the United Kingdom with their two children, but royal experts suggest this move is less about a permanent homecoming and more about securing "the best of both worlds." The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who are reportedly seeking a home in Britain, are expected to maintain their ties to Montecito, California, while continuing to base their businesses in the United States.
Royal commentator Kinsey Schofield told Fox News Digital that the reported arrangement appears to grant the couple access to Britain and the royal family while allowing them to preserve their independent lives in the U.S. "I suspect they want the best of both worlds — access to Britain, proximity to the monarchy and the credibility that comes with Harry’s royal identity, while maintaining the freedom and commercial opportunities they associate with life outside the UK," Schofield said.
Schofield noted that the Sussexes' reported plans bear resemblance to the "half-in, half-out" role that Queen Elizabeth II reportedly rejected when Harry and Meghan stepped back from royal duties in 2020. The experts are questioning whether the couple is truly returning to Britain for good or merely testing the waters.
"Harry and Meghan never do what they say or say what they mean," Schofield stated. "One year ago, Harry told us the UK was not safe enough to bring his wife and children. Now someone is briefing the Daily Mail that Harry has a 15-year plan in the UK. Alternatively, we’re briefed this could be temporary." She described the situation as "a trial run rather than a definitive homecoming."
Following their departure from royal duties in 2020, Harry and Meghan relocated to California. Since then, they have released various projects, including a Netflix docuseries and Harry’s memoir, "Spare," alongside pursuing entertainment and business ventures outside the monarchy.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams suggested that Harry and Meghan have increasingly positioned themselves as an "international" power couple, rather than aligning solely with the UK or the US. "They reportedly see themselves as ‘international citizens,’" Fitzwilliams told Fox News Digital. "They claim that their balance of business activities and trips abroad over the last six years is a success."
"Rather than planting one flag, the Sussexes appear to be keeping several doors open," Schofield added. Helena Chard, a British broadcaster and photographer, also commented that Harry and Meghan are "keeping their options open."
"Things haven’t gone to plan for various reasons, but one thing’s for sure: They need to keep relevant," Chard told Fox News Digital. "Cue travel to the UK, be seen with the British Royal Family and push for state-funded armed police protection."
Chard posited that enrolling their children in a British school could benefit the family and assist Harry in pursuing the security arrangements he has sought since stepping back as a working royal. "Like a dog with a bone, Harry will fight for everything he believes his family deserves," she said.
The experts also raised questions about the couple's equal investment in making Britain a permanent home. "Harry has much more at stake emotionally," Schofield said. "Returning gives him an opportunity to reconnect with his country, his family, old friends and a version of his identity that he walked away from six years ago."
"For Meghan, Britain carries different associations," Schofield continued. "She has repeatedly described her royal experience as deeply unhappy, so I think it is reasonable to question whether she could ever feel the same enthusiasm Harry might feel about putting down permanent roots." Schofield concluded, "Harry may see Britain as coming home. Meghan may see Britain as somewhere useful to spend part of the year. Those are two very different emotional investments."