Princess Anne could be the royal relative Prince Harry and Meghan Markle least expected to have on their side. A royal expert believes she may choose to welcome the couple despite the disagreements that have unfolded since their 2020 departure. Anne has reportedly had a good relationship with Harry for years. In fact, there have already been moments showing her willingness to support him during difficult family moments. That history could matter if reconciliation becomes a priority.
Princess Anne ‘will put her best foot forward’ in mending ties with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, per expert
According to royal expert Katie Nicholl, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may receive a warmer welcome from Princess Anne than some might expect. Nicholl, author of “The New Royals: Queen Elizabeth’s Legacy and the Future of the Crown,” believes Anne could put past tensions aside if the Sussexes spend more time with the family.
The Princess Royal and Harry have reportedly had a good relationship over the years. That connection was tested after Harry and Markle stepped away from royal duties in 2020. Around that period, Anne also made comments about the younger royals taking a different approach to philanthropy.
When Nicholl interviewed Anne in 2020, the Princess Royal allegedly said, “Please do not reinvent that particular wheel.” Nicholl later viewed the remark as a subtle warning. She believed Anne was suggesting that change was acceptable, but that the younger royals should not abandon established ways entirely.
Still, the author does not expect that old disagreement to define their relationship today. She suggested Anne may have anticipated that the Sussexes would eventually seek a stronger connection with Britain. Even if their reunion starts awkwardly, Nicholl believes Anne could make an effort.
“I think Anne will put her best foot forward,” Nicholl told HELLO!. She added that the Princess Royal could follow the late Queen Elizabeth’s example of being “magnanimous and forgiving.” Nicholl also described Anne as “a good aunt” in that regard.
There is some evidence of that warmth. When Harry arrived at Balmoral following Queen Elizabeth II’s death in 2022, Anne apparently greeted him. The Duke of Sussex later recalled in an interview that his aunt welcomed him into the house and asked whether he wanted to see her. Royal author Robert Hardman also wrote that Anne hugged him before accompanying him to the Queen’s bedroom.
Meanwhile, Harry has made it clear that reconciliation remains something he wants. In 2025, he told the BBC, “I would love reconciliation with my family.” However, repairing those relationships could take time. Harry remains estranged from his brother, Prince William, while reports have also suggested that his relationship with cousins Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie is no longer as close.
For the wider family, Nicholl believes King Charles could set the tone. “Where the King leads, the others will follow,” she said. The royal author also suggested there is an expectation that the family will try to make Harry, Markle, and their children feel welcome.
Originally reported by Zahrah Patel on Reality Tea.
