Prince Harry's controversial proposal for a "half-in, half-out" role within the British monarchy, rejected in 2020, may still become a reality in the future, according to royal author Simon Vigar. However, other royal experts express skepticism, citing trust issues and the need to protect the institution's integrity.
Vigar, author of "The Four Wives of Windsor," told Fox News Digital that while Buckingham Palace swiftly dismissed the idea, he believes a similar hybrid model is ultimately inevitable. "Harry did think that there was a hybrid version that they could do," Vigar said. "And I think in years to come, there will be a hybrid version. I think he's right. There has to be a hybrid version of this where people don't get accused of cashing in but can support their cousins or their brother or whatever."
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back as senior royals in 2020, citing intrusive press coverage and a perceived lack of support from the palace. At the time, Harry believed he and Meghan could pursue independent, income-generating ventures while also dedicating part of their time to supporting the Queen. This vision was reportedly presented at the Sandringham Summit, where senior royals ultimately decided against such a role.
According to Vigar, Harry felt this option was "whipped away from him." In the couple's Netflix series, "Harry & Meghan," the prince stated the decision to step down was his, calling the situation "misogyny at its best." Queen Elizabeth II's statement at the time confirmed the decision, noting it was "not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service."
Prince Harry claimed in the Netflix series that his brother, Prince William, "screamed and shouted" at him during the Sandringham Summit, and that their father, King Charles III, said things that were untrue. In his memoir, "Spare," Harry wrote that he arrived at Sandringham believing discussions would explore multiple options, only to be presented with a statement announcing a full departure, which he felt indicated a predetermined outcome.
Royal broadcaster Ian Pelham Turner suggested the palace made a mistake by not considering Harry's proposal. "The half-in, half-out approach advocated by Harry and Meghan is the modern-day method of how royal families should operate," he said. "The late queen was extremely badly advised not to accept the formula laid out by Harry as he attempted to protect Meghan from the ravages of sustained attacks."
However, many royal experts disagree. Kinsey Schofield, host of "Kinsey Schofield Unfiltered," argued that a return as a working royal, particularly under a hybrid model, is highly unlikely. "There's always room for Harry to support his family privately as a son and brother," Schofield told Fox News Digital. "That's very different from supporting the monarchy publicly as a working royal. The monarchy has successfully adapted to a smaller working team."
Schofield pointed to the current lineup of working royals, including King Charles, Queen Camilla, and the Prince and Princess of Wales, as evidence that the institution can function efficiently with fewer members. She added that Harry's conduct since stepping back—including interviews, documentaries, and his memoir "Spare"—has validated the late queen's decision rather than undermining it. "In any professional organization, that wouldn't strengthen your case for rejoining the leadership team. It would be cited as evidence that you cannot be trusted with confidential information or institutional responsibilities."
"The monarchy runs on trust," Schofield continued. "Harry has spent the last several years demonstrating a pattern of monetizing privileged access to the royal family. The palace would have to ask itself whether Harry could be trusted to represent the institution. I think the answer to that question is no."
Schofield cited the example of Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, who transitioned to full-time royal duties after a controversy involving commercial work and her royal connections. Sophie is now considered a valuable asset to the monarchy.
Experts also note that William and Harry have not spoken since Queen Elizabeth II's death in 2022. British royal expert Hilary Fordwich suggested that Harry might receive "informal, limited and tightly controlled opportunities" during future visits to the U.K. to support his charitable causes, but a functional hybrid role is not expected.
"Prince William has been consistent in his opposition," Fordwich said, adding that Catherine, Princess of Wales, and senior officials also support maintaining the current structure. Fordwich believes King Charles is unlikely to reverse the late queen's decision, emphasizing that allowing one royal to commercially monetize their status while performing official duties would create a difficult precedent. "The strongest opposition would likely come from those responsible for protecting the monarchy's long-term stability, including Prince William and senior officials who understand the reputational risks."