Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly seeking a new status as 'private royals-plus' during a potential return to the United Kingdom, according to a source close to the couple. This proposed arrangement would allow them to maintain a connection with the royal family while operating more privately, a dynamic that could define their future relationship with the monarchy.
The couple's intentions suggest a desire for a mutually beneficial arrangement with their royal relatives. However, the duration of their stay and their ultimate destination remain uncertain. The source indicated that their time in the UK could range from six months to a year, after which they might consider relocating to Canada or Australia. This flexibility underscores their status as an 'international couple' seeking to define their own path.
Upon returning to the UK, Harry and Meghan will face adjusting to life closer to home and within the extended sphere of royal influence, a contrast to their more independent life in Montecito, California. A key concern highlighted by the source is the potential for the couple to be scrutinized for any attempts to monetize their brand, a practice perceived as acceptable in the U.S. but potentially problematic within the UK's royal sphere.
The 'private royals-plus' concept, as coined by the insider, envisions a scenario where Harry and Meghan would be less involved in official duties but still present at significant family gatherings, such as Christmas at Sandringham. Such an arrangement, however, would require the explicit agreement of senior royals like Prince William and Catherine, a prospect the source deems implausible.
Relations between Prince Harry and Prince William have been notably strained since the Queen's funeral in September 2022. Despite this, Harry has expressed a desire to mend the relationship, stating in a past BBC interview that "there's no point in continuing to fight any more." Commentators suggest that Harry's potential return could offer an opportunity for reconciliation and benefit the royal family.
The children, Archie and Lilibet, are a significant factor in the timing of their return, with their school placements reportedly finalized. This move also appears to be influenced by Harry's desire for his children to engage in traditional British sports like rugby and cricket, and his personal wish to attend more rugby matches. The initial hope for Meghan to appear in Guy Ritchie's Netflix show 'The Gentlemen' did not materialize due to backlash.
If successful in establishing this 'private royals-plus' position, Harry and Meghan could gain the advantages of royal proximity combined with the freedom of private life, including the ability to relocate. The source emphasized that the couple has not definitively decided on the length or ultimate destination of their stay, suggesting a spontaneous decision to move to Canada or Australia is a possibility, leveraging the freedoms afforded by their private status.