Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly set to relocate to the UK this month, with the Sussexes allegedly expected to take on a “private royals-plus” role during their time there. However, their return could create fresh tensions within the royal family, particularly given Harry’s long-standing strained relationship with Prince William.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s proposed ‘private royals-plus’ role explained
A source speaking to The Sunday Times discussed Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s potential role as “private royals-plus” following their return to the UK. However, establishing such an arrangement could prove challenging, particularly given the Duke of Sussex’s strained relationship with Prince William and Kate Middleton.
“It needs all sides to agree a template for ‘private royals plus,'” the source said. They added, “It needs them to be much more ‘private’ than ‘working,’ and be seen at family occasions, like Christmas at Sandringham.”
The source suggested that the arrangement would require the Waleses to agree to the Sussexes’ involvement, but questioned whether that could realistically happen. The source said the role requires the Waleses “to say ‘yes please’ and how on earth does that happen?” They wondered how it will happen and only “saying it out loud sounds implausible.”
The Sussexes’ business activities are also reportedly expected to face greater scrutiny following their move to the UK. “They’ll also be watched like hawks for anything that looks like they’re trying to monetize their brand,” the source said. They continued, “The feeling has always been they can do that in [their home in] Montecito, but not here.”
The source further warned that the Sussexes could face a backlash if they brought their California business model to their new home in the Cotswolds. “If they come over and do the Montecito playbook—doing deals and making money—in the Cotswolds … that’s not going to go down well.”
Meanwhile, two sources suggested that Harry and Markle’s return to Britain may not be permanent. “It’ll be an extended period of time—it could be six months, it could be a year, it could be more—I don’t think even they know yet,” the source stated.
They added that the couple “might suddenly go: ‘Why don’t we try Canada for a while? Why don’t we try Australia?'” The source continued, “It’s one of the great things about being private individuals.”
