Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly exploring a new status upon their potential return to the United Kingdom, aiming for a hybrid "private royals-plus" arrangement with the royal family. This move, if it occurs, could be a temporary one, with the couple possibly relocating to Canada or Australia within six months to a year.
A source indicated that the couple wishes to establish a mutually beneficial relationship with their family, a move that has already generated considerable attention. "They'll also be watched like hawks for anything that looks like they're trying to monetise their brand," the source told The Sunday Times. "The feeling has always been they can do that in Montecito, but not here. If they come over and do the Montecito playbook - doing deals and making money - in the Cotswolds... that's not going to go down well."
The "private royals-plus" model, as described by the insider, would allow the Sussexes to be more private than working royals but still attend family occasions. "It needs all sides to agree a template for 'private royals plus'," the source explained. "It needs them to be much more 'private' than 'working', and be seen at family occasions, like Christmas at Sandringham. That requires William and Catherine to say 'yes please' and how on earth does that happen? Just saying it out loud sounds implausible."
Harry and William have not communicated directly since the Queen's funeral in September 2022. However, Harry has expressed a desire to mend the relationship, stating last year, "There's no point in continuing to fight any more." Andrew Morton, a biographer of Princess Diana, suggested that despite Prince William feeling "deeply, deeply hurt" by accounts in Harry's book "Spare," the Duke of Sussex's potential return could be beneficial for the royal family.
This period in the UK is also seen as an opportunity for Harry's children, Lilibet and Archie, to deepen their connection with their grandfather, King Charles. "Future proofing" their status within the royal family is also considered a factor.
The decision to return was reportedly influenced by the children's upcoming school enrollment. Lilibet is set to begin Year 1 of pre-prep, while Archie will enter the first year of preparatory school. Securing their places was a prerequisite for the move.
Harry has also expressed a desire for his son Archie to engage in sports like rugby and cricket, activities he has missed while living in the United States. The potential for Meghan to take on a role in Guy Ritchie's Netflix series "The Gentlemen" was also cited as a factor, although this opportunity reportedly fell through due to backlash.
Despite the possibility of a UK return, the duration and ultimate destination remain uncertain. "They might suddenly go: 'Why don't we try Canada for a while? Why don't we try Australia?' It's one of the great things about being private individuals [that they can live where they choose]," the source added. The exact plans for their stay, however, are reportedly still being determined by the couple themselves.