Prince Harry will return to the UK with his 'tail between his legs' and his family will be cautious around him, Princess Diana’s former butler claims.
But he is certain of a warm welcome from the Queen as Paul Burrell believes Her Majesty hasn't wavered in her support of her grandson, despite the devastation of his exit from the Royal Family.
He told OK! Magazine that Platinum Jubilee celebrations will be difficult for both the Duke and his wife Meghan Markle.
But she will not put up any barriers, and the former Palace staffer feels laughter will ultimately ease any anxiety during their trip.
The outspoken couple have been critical of the establishment and the family's way of life since moving to the United States two years ago.
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That, Mr Burrell says, won't impact the celebrations.
“She adores Harry,” the ex-butler says. “She never refuses to take his calls when he rings and she always chats with him. Harry makes her laugh.
"He’s fun and he isn’t as serious as William. He can crack a joke in front of her and she’ll laugh.
“But – there’s a big but. Harry is warm and fun to be with but the family will be careful around him.”
He added: "I think he will come back to this country with his tail between his legs.
"But his brother will put his arms around him and say, ‘Welcome home, Harry'."
It comes as royal author Howard Hodgson claims that Meghan does not want to repair the rift completely.
"I don’t think Meghan wants it to be repaired, because if it was repaired, that might get Harry wanting to come back and play his role," he told The Sun.
"In a way, Prince Charles doesn’t want any focus going in that direction, he wants a straight-line focus on him, William, George.
“Nobody wants a repeat of what happened at the rather extraordinary Commonwealth Day, with the Cambridges and Sussexes actually looking hostile to each other.
"Anything like that is not going to happen now. I wouldn’t be surprised if there are special gestures to make them feel welcome.”
To read Paul Burrell's exclusive interview with OK! Magazine, click here
