Royal commentator Kinsey Schofield has characterized Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's reported return to the United Kingdom as an "admission of failure" and proof they "need the monarchy." Schofield expressed surprise at the couple's alleged decision to return to Britain after years of public criticism of the institution.

"A return to Britain is an admission of failure, whether Harry and Meghan are intellectually honest enough to admit it or not," Schofield told Page Six. "They left Britain telling the world they needed freedom to thrive."

Schofield suggested that the couple should not expect a warm reception upon their arrival, stating, "You cannot spend years insulting the establishment and then expect everyone to roll out the red carpet when California doesn’t work out."

According to Schofield, the couple has become "deeply unpopular" in Britain, with Harry reportedly continuing to engage in disputes with the government and the British justice system. She noted that King Charles III was reportedly informed of the couple's plans only recently, indicating a lack of direct involvement in the decision-making process. "If this were the product of some great royal reconciliation, you would expect the King to have been part of the conversation, not simply informed once the decision had been made," Schofield said.

While acknowledging potential progress in Harry's relationship with his father, Schofield expressed skepticism about any reconciliation with his brother, Prince William. "As far as William is concerned, I’ve seen absolutely nothing that suggests the fundamental trust issues between the brothers have been resolved," Schofield stated. She added that it is "unfair" to William that Harry "was allowed to blow up his life, attack his family, monetize private grievances and spend six years experimenting with independence, only to crawl home when it didn’t work."

The couple stepped down as senior working royals in 2020 and subsequently relocated to California, pursuing entertainment deals and building an independent life. Schofield argued that their reported return signifies that this pursuit of independence has not yielded the desired results. "They had America, Hollywood, enormous contracts, global name recognition and every conceivable advantage," she said. "And six years later, they’re coming back. That is failure."

Schofield likened the situation to the late Queen Elizabeth II's stance on the couple's proposed "half-in, half-out" royal role, emphasizing that royal status cannot be selectively embraced. "Royal status is not a buffet," Schofield asserted. "You cannot reject the responsibility, commercialize the association and then drift back toward the institution when independence proves harder than expected."

Schofield concluded, "Harry wanted to prove he didn’t need the monarchy. Moving back to Britain proves he did."