New cataclysm across the Channel. Six years after their sensational departure for the United States, Prince Harry and Meghan are preparing to turn back the clock. According to The Telegraph, the couple plans to move "into a private, non-royal residence outside London" by the end of the month. Archie and Lilibet, their children, are already registered in a British establishment to return to school in September, a sign of a lasting return to the country.
King Charles, as well as Prince William and Kate Middleton, would have heard of this return a few days ago, without having (for the moment) commented on it, indicates The Guardian. After years of criticism of the British crown, this backpedaling risks raising teeth in the United Kingdom, where the couple remains unpopular. But it can also open doors, and help ease tensions with the royal family. Even accelerate a (potential) reconciliation.
Why come back after so much criticism?
The announcement of Harry and Meghan's departure for California was made at the beginning of 2020 via a laconic press release. But the rebellious couple has since increased their criticism of the press and the British monarchy. In 2021, facing Oprah Winfrey, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex listed the reasons for this departure, including the omnipresence of paparazzi, the lack of security and even questions of racism that they would have faced. “We must recognize that today this return seems very surprising,” confirms Maud Garmy, reporter and specialist on the Windsor family for Point de vue magazine.
These obstacles still seem to be present, but the couple could find other benefits from such a return. “By returning to educate their children in England, they could remember that they are titled prince and princess,” believes the journalist. Something that has become more vague over the years in the United States. “They are somewhat regaining their place in the family tree where they had strayed,” adds the specialist. If Harry and Meghan slammed the door of the royal palace six years ago, the question of the status of the two toddlers will inevitably arise with this return to the United Kingdom.
Mere subjects of His Majesty?
The British press is unanimous, Harry and Meghan will not move into a royal residence. When he distanced himself from the monarchy, the couple resigned from their royal duties and renounced the title of royal highness. There is little chance, therefore, that he will regain a leading role within the royal family, regardless of those who already fantasize about this return. “The active members of the royal family are very well defined and Harry and Meghan are no longer part of it,” explains Maud Garmy. “We will not see them carrying out operations in the name of the crown. On the other hand, we can expect to see them appear for charity operations galore,” she specifies.
Something confirmed by the British media as a whole. “The king clarifies that the status of the Duke and Duchess as members of the royal family without official duties and as private individuals, in accordance with their previously expressed wishes, will remain unchanged,” we can read in The Telegraph. From there to imagining them as simple subjects of His Majesty, there is a gap. But an in-between - excluded from official functions, included in private events - is not unthinkable. “We won't see them on the Buckingham balcony for an official event, but they could be invited to all the family reunions,” says Maud Garmy.
Reconciliation in sight
Christmas at Sandringham, Easter at Windsor, or summer at Balmoral could once again be spent with Harry, Meghan and their children. “These are meetings with the extended family,” specifies the specialist on crowned heads. So why not? “The question will arise between Charles and William whether the presence of the Sussexes is tolerated or not,” she adds. Because without reconciliation, particularly with Prince William “who still has resentment”, family events risk being turbulent. “He has not yet forgiven his brother. The rapprochement seems difficult, but here too the question arises of the position which will be authorized for the Sussexes,” says the specialist.
Between the king and Harry, things could be (a little) simpler. “He does not want to leave in history the image of a father who would have definitively pushed aside one of his two sons,” said Maud Garmy. “Reconciliation on a personal, intimate and family level is as necessary for Charles as it is for Harry. »
