Over four years have elapsed since Prince Harry stepped away from his royal duties to embark on a new chapter in California with Meghan Markle.
Despite his frequent trips back to the UK, his attempts to repair the fractured relationships with his family have largely fallen short. The gates of reconciliation at the palace seem firmly shut, a reflection of the tumultuous impact he and Meghan have had on the monarchy. However, insiders now reveal that Harry is planning a significant move this summer. He intends to spend several weeks in the UK in a final bid for forgiveness, even if it puts his marriage to Meghan under strain due to their prolonged separation.
A source close to the couple has disclosed that Harry will return to the UK alone, as it makes sense for him to undertake a longer visit. He believes that spending more time there will enhance his chances of reconnecting with his family. His plan involves a potential month-long stay, which presents challenges for both him and Meghan. This extended separation could lead to a rather lonely summer for Meghan, even though both are committed to their marriage. Such a prolonged period apart is never easy, despite their six-year marriage and efforts to build a family life in Montecito with their children, Archie and Lilibet.
Over the past two years, Harry and Meghan have been leading increasingly separate lives. Their joint criticisms of the royal family, notably during the 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, the 2022 Netflix documentary "Harry & Meghan," and Harry’s 2023 memoir "Spare," have united them in their critique of the monarchy. Meanwhile, Meghan has continued to pursue her Hollywood ambitions, launching her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, and wrapping up filming for a new Netflix cooking show. Harry’s life has been overshadowed by personal crises, including his father King Charles and his sister-in-law Catherine, the Princess of Wales, both being diagnosed with cancer earlier this year.
The source noted that Harry, who has already visited the UK twice in 2024, is now prioritizing the repair of his strained relationship with his family. This journey is one that Meghan has no intention of joining. Harry is eager to return home to see his father, reconnect with friends for his September birthday, and visit his aunt, Princess Anne. However, Meghan remains resolute in her decision to stay behind, citing practical and emotional reasons. She is deeply involved with her cooking show and managing their children, and she fears the stress of returning to the UK where she anticipates negative public scrutiny.
Megan's approval ratings in the UK have significantly declined, with a May poll indicating only 25% approval among UK voters. Tensions were further highlighted during their return to the UK following Queen Elizabeth II's death in 2022. Photographs captured Kate Middleton glaring at Meghan, and reports emerged that Meghan had been barred from the Queen’s bedside. This isolation has fueled speculation that the royal family no longer trusts her.
Despite the friction, Meghan continues to build her brand while using her royal connections, even changing Archie and Lilibet’s surnames from Mountbatten-Windsor to Sussex. However, the insider reveals that Meghan is not inclined to spend time with people she knows she has tensions with. Conversely, Harry remains determined to reconcile with his family. He attended King Charles's coronation alone and made a brief visit following Charles's cancer diagnosis, with Meghan staying in the US on both occasions. Despite reports that Charles was too busy to see Harry during his May visit, Harry remains resolute in mending the rift.
According to the insider, England is significant to Harry, and he feels the need to demonstrate that he is not turning his back on his country and family. Both he and Meghan believe that spending time apart is the best course of action for them, even though Meghan dreads the separation. It will undoubtedly be a test for their marriage, but both are confident that their relationship can endure.
