Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's recent return to Britain could lead to the formation of "rival courts" within the monarchy, according to veteran royal reporter Richard Kay.
Kay, Senior Editor-at-Large for the Daily Mail, suggested on the publication's Deep Dive podcast that figures close to the Royal family may be compelled to align themselves with either the Sussexes or with those loyal to King Charles and Prince William.
"The whole thing opens up the prospect of rival courts," Kay stated. "By that I mean, figures are going to gather around Harry and Meghan, and then there will be those who are going to stay loyal to William and Catherine, and I suppose the King and Queen."
This potential division is a concern for the Royal family as an institution, Kay noted. He posited that Harry might assemble a "Praetorian guard" of A-list supporters who could offer public backing or commentary, a scenario that could be "concerning" for the monarchy.
"When Harry arrived in America, a lot of A-list celebrities were fascinated by this disgruntled prince and wanted to get to know him. I think the same is going to apply now," Kay said, adding that public fascination with the unresolved issues between Harry and his brother William could prove a significant diversion for the Royal family's activities.
The couple reportedly arrived in the UK on a private jet on Wednesday, a week after announcing their intention to return. They are said to be renting a home in the Cotswolds, with their children, Archie and Lilibet, enrolled in local schools.
Kay also highlighted the surprise surrounding the timing of their return, noting that King Charles reportedly learned of the decision only three days before it became public. This occurred despite a private meeting between father and son at Highgrove just six weeks prior.
"It's staggering," Kay commented. "Harry and Meghan must have been searching out schools and properties. You can't do these things in isolation, people have to know. Was the King blindsided? It certainly looks like that."
He described the situation as "classic Harry and Meghan," characterizing their approach as one that often catches others off guard rather than initiating discussions beforehand. "They present situations like: this is it. It's not, 'we're coming home, should we have a discussion about it?' It's, 'We're coming home - live with it.' Full stop."