Prince Harry’s hopes of rejoining the royal family in a working capacity appear to be dashed, with royal insiders suggesting that past tensions—particularly involving Meghan Markle—make a return unlikely. Following King Charles III’s cancer diagnosis, the Duke of Sussex reportedly expressed a willingness to step into a temporary royal role to support his father.
However, according to royal commentator Richard Eden, the offer was not accepted, and the chances of Harry reintegrating into the royal fold remain slim. Writing in his Daily Mail column, Eden speculated on a possible behind-the-scenes push to reinstate Harry and Meghan within the monarchy but suggested it would be met with resistance.
“Call me paranoid, if you wish, but I do sense something of a conspiracy among certain parts of our Establishment to bring about a return of Harry and Meghan to the royal fold. There is no doubt that Harry is seeking a closer relationship with his family again,” Eden wrote, as reported by The Mirror.
Eden also highlighted Harry’s attempts to reconnect with the royal family after Charles’s diagnosis was made public in February last year. “After King Charles’s cancer treatment was announced in February last year, his younger son let it be known via friends that he was willing to take on a temporary royal role in support of his father.
His offer was never taken up, but the California-based Prince is understood to be keen to spend more time in his homeland.” Despite these efforts, the Sussexes’ history with the monarchy remains a significant roadblock. The couple’s public criticism of royal life, coupled with their controversial departure from their senior roles in 2020, has left deep fractures within the family.
Eden also reflected on the late Queen Elizabeth II’s attempts to welcome Meghan into the royal fold, noting the opportunities granted to her early on. “The Queen put much effort into making Meghan feel welcome, asking her to join her on a day of engagements in Cheshire, for example, and handing her the roles of patron of the National Theatre and vice president of The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust. These made the most of Meghan’s talents and interests.”
With Harry and Meghan now firmly settled in California, their future within the monarchy remains uncertain. While the Duke of Sussex may wish to rebuild his relationship with his family, royal experts suggest that the wounds of the past may be too deep for a full reconciliation.
