In 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made headlines by stepping away from the royal family.
Now, according to insights from a royal author, there's speculation that the couple is considering a potential return to royal duties on a part-time basis. This move is seen as a strategic effort to fortify their brand, particularly amidst the challenges faced during the Sandringham Summit crisis.
The Sandringham Summit was convened in response to the news of Harry's departure from the royal institution, with Queen Elizabeth II reportedly making it unequivocally clear to her grandson that there could be no compromise in his decision. This prompted discussions about potential part-time royal roles. Interestingly, it's rumored that the late Queen even had the room swept for bugs to prevent any eavesdropping.
Royal author Tom Quinn shared insights, suggesting that both Harry and Meghan harbored a secret desire to eventually return to the royal fold. They had hoped that following Queen Elizabeth's passing, Prince Charles would adopt a more flexible approach to the concept of being a working royal. This sentiment was particularly appealing to Meghan, who saw the potential for a rotational schedule, dividing time between the UK and the United States, to enhance the Sussex brand.
However, tensions lingered as it became apparent that King Charles was less than pleased with Harry and Meghan's decision to retain their royal titles despite stepping back from full-time royal duties. His preference for a streamlined monarchy further complicated the prospect of a royal return for the Sussexes, making it seem increasingly unlikely.
Moreover, the American public's interest in Harry waned following his departure from his royal role, as he no longer held the allure of royalty. This sentiment was exacerbated by Meghan's reluctance to be tied down by royal obligations. Despite Harry's willingness to engage with the monarchy amid family health concerns, King Charles remained resolute in his decision not to welcome Harry back as a working royal.
Recent developments, including Harry's visit to the UK to see his father after his cancer diagnosis, hinted at a potential reconciliation. However, sources close to King Charles maintained that the monarch's stance remained unchanged. Despite the possibility of Harry accepting royal duties if offered, the consensus within the royal family was that a permanent return was improbable.
While there may be occasional engagements for Harry, King Charles has no plans to delegate significant royal duties during his treatment. The family remains steadfast in upholding the decisions made during the Sandringham Summit, adhering to Queen Elizabeth's belief that a half-in, half-out approach for Harry simply wouldn't work.
In the face of speculation about Harry's potential return, insiders believe that while he may respond to his father's call for assistance, initiating a return on his own accord seems unlikely. The dynamics within the royal family underscore the complexity of Harry's relationship with his role and the institution, indicating that any return, even on a temporary basis, remains uncertain.
