Six years after relocating to Montecito, California, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's impending return to the UK is poised to create a division within England's social circles, forming two distinct alignments: 'Team Sussex' and 'Team Wales'. This shift is impacting friendships and allegiances among the British elite.
Prince Harry has reportedly drifted from some of his former close friends from his school and military days. In the United States, the couple has cultivated relationships with figures such as filmmaker Tyler Perry, polo player Nacho Figueras, and television host Oprah Winfrey. As they prepare for a potential return, the Sussexes are expected to lean on a select group of British contacts.
Arthur Landon, a former child actor with a significant fortune, is identified as a key figure for 'Team Sussex.' Having known Harry since their school days, Landon is positioned to offer the couple an opportunity to re-enter British high society through his annual 'village fete' at his Faccombe estate. This event, scheduled for August 31, reportedly attracts notable personalities, including filmmaker Guy Ritchie, who has been linked to a potential acting role for Meghan, and singer James Blunt, a longtime friend of Harry's. Landon was also involved in a 2023 documentary about Blunt.
Nicholas Johnston, owner of the Great Tew Estate, is another potential supporter, hosting the annual Cornbury Festival, which draws the 'Chipping Norton set,' including figures like former Prime Minister David Cameron. Mark 'Marko' Dyer, a former equerry to Prince Charles and described as a 'second father' to both William and Harry, is also noted for his continued connection, supported by his American wife Amanda, who has reportedly offered Meghan advice on navigating British customs.
Friends who have been named godparents to the Sussexes' children, such as Archie's godfather Charlie van Straubenzee and former nanny Tiggy Legge-Bourke (now Pettifer), are also expected to remain close. Family ties to Princess Diana's sisters, Lady Jane Fellowes and Lady Sarah McCorquodale, are also cited as continued support for the couple.
However, not all former associates are expected to rally behind the Sussexes. Financier Ben Goldsmith, once a friend of Harry's, publicly criticized the Duke's behavior. Tom 'Skippy' Inskip, who organized Prince Harry's 2012 Las Vegas trip, reportedly had a falling out with Meghan, compounded by not being invited to the Sussexes' wedding reception.
Team Wales
On the other side, 'Team Wales' centers around Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales. Their inner circle includes close friends like Thomas van Straubenzee, described as William's 'best friend' and a godfather to Princess Charlotte. Van Straubenzee, who heads Knight Frank's Global Private Office, maintains contact with both brothers, serving as a potential bridge in their ongoing feud.
Other key figures in William's circle include James Meade, a godfather to Princess Charlotte, and his wife, Lady Laura Meade, who is a godmother to Prince Louis and has developed a close bond with Catherine. The Meades are part of the 'Turnip Toffs,' a group of landed gentry in East Anglia that also includes Catherine's tennis partner Sophie Snuggs, a godmother to Princess Charlotte.
Catherine's childhood friend Emilia Jardine-Paterson, a godmother to Prince George, is also a significant confidante. The extended Middleton family, including Carole Middleton, are noted as steadfast supporters of William and Catherine. Nightclub impresario Guy Pelly, a godfather to Prince Louis, is also considered a close friend.
Allies in positions of influence include Nicholas Coleridge, the Provost of Eton College, who has a long-standing connection to the Royal Family through his friendship with Diana, Princess of Wales. Hugh Grosvenor, the Duke of Westminster and a godfather to Prince George, is another influential figure, controlling a significant property empire and married to Olivia Henson, an alumna of Marlborough College, like Catherine and Princess Eugenie.
Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, a former private secretary to both princes and equerry to the Queen Mother, has expressed strong faith in Prince William and Catherine.
The 'Team Wales' celebrity roster includes footballer Sir David Beckham, who collaborated with William on the London 2012 Olympic bid, and tennis legend Roger Federer. The Waleses have hosted the Federer children at Kensington Palace, highlighting a social connection that, unlike the Sussexes' expected UK engagements, does not appear to extend to a reconciliation with Prince Harry and Meghan.