Three Reasons Prince Harry and Meghan Will Not Plan a UK Return, According to an Expert
Prince Harry’s impending return to British soil has stirred speculation about the possibility of a permanent return for him and Meghan Markle to the United Kingdom. However, royal biographer Andrew Morton, renowned for his work, including the biography of Diana, Princess of Wales, “Diana: Her True Story,” believes that such a return is highly unlikely. In a recent interview with Trevor Phillips, Morton offered three compelling reasons why the Sussexes may not be planning a UK homecoming anytime soon.
A Desire for Independence
One of the most significant factors contributing to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s hesitance to return to the UK is their desire for independence. Since stepping back from their roles as senior members of the royal family in early 2020, the couple has actively pursued a life of autonomy. They relocated to California, where they have been able to shape their own public image and engage in philanthropic work through their Archewell Foundation without the constraints of royal duties.
According to reports by Express on Monday, September 4, 2023, Morton emphasized this point, stating, “They’ve got their own lives in California.” The Sussexes have clearly relished their newfound freedom and the opportunities it has afforded them to focus on projects and causes close to their hearts. Returning to the UK and its royal obligations would likely undermine their autonomy, making it a less appealing prospect for the couple.
Potential Royal Protocol and Hierarchical Challenges
A return to the UK would inevitably place Prince Harry and Meghan Markle back into the fold of royal protocol and hierarchy. Morton’s comments alluded to this when he questioned whether Meghan would want to return to a situation where she might be expected to curtsy to Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge. This aspect of royal life, with its strict etiquette and traditional roles, may not align with the couple’s desire for a more contemporary and self-determined path.
The Sussexes have been vocal about their intention to modernize and adapt the monarchy to better suit their values and beliefs. Returning to the UK could entail navigating a complex web of expectations, traditions, and potentially, tensions within the royal family.
Personal and Family Well-being
Lastly, the well-being of Prince Harry, Meghan, and their children plays a pivotal role in their decision-making process. California offers a more private and less intense environment for them to raise their family, free from the relentless scrutiny that comes with royal life in the UK.
The couple has been candid about their struggles with media intrusion and its impact on their mental health. Remaining in California, they can maintain a level of distance from the British tabloid press and prioritize their personal and family well-being.
In conclusion, while Prince Harry’s return to the UK may generate headlines, Andrew Morton’s insights provide a compelling case for why a permanent return for the Sussexes is unlikely. Their pursuit of independence, concerns over royal protocol, and the desire to safeguard their personal and family well-being all suggest that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are committed to maintaining their life in California rather than embarking on a return to royal duties in the United Kingdom. Time will tell how their evolving roles within the royal family continue to shape their future decisions.