Prince Harry and Meghan Markle‘s reported plans to return to the UK with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, have reignited worries about the state of their relationship with the Royal Family.
While King Charles is said to welcome the opportunity to see his grandchildren, questions remain over whether the visit could help mend long-standing family tensions.
However, one royal expert believes a reunion between Prince Harry and Prince William remains highly unlikely due to a deep breakdown in trust.
Prince William’s Rift With Prince Harry And Meghan Is Set To Be A Challenge Ahead Of The Couple’s UK Visit
William is reportedly unlikely to meet with Harry and Meghan during their anticipated return to the UK next month, with sources suggesting he still feels unhappy with the couple.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are said to be planning a trip to Britain with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, marking the youngsters’ first visit to the UK since 2022.
Although the Sussexes’ representatives have not officially confirmed the visit, reports suggest that security arrangements may have been facilitated at a high level. It also remains unclear whether King Charles III will take the opportunity to reunite with his youngest grandchildren.
According to royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams, a reconciliation between William and Harry remains highly unlikely. Speaking to GB News, he pointed to the long-standing rift between the brothers, which deepened following Harry’s public criticisms of the Royal Family, including allegations made in his memoir, “Spare.”
Fitzwilliams argued that Harry and Meghan’s interviews, documentaries, and media projects have severely damaged trust within the family.
While he suggested Charles may be more willing to repair ties, he claimed William feels the complete opposite.
“William reportedly feels deeply betrayed. The king is rumored to be more emollient,” the expert noted. “Much of this will be played out in public; the issue is one of trust, and the Sussexes simply cannot appreciate the need for privacy in what appears to be their desire to have closer relations with the family they so publicly betrayed.”
Fitzwilliams further described the couple’s expected appearance at a “One Year to Go” Invictus Games event in Birmingham ahead of the 2027 tournament as potentially drawing significant attention, calling it something of a “trap,” though he acknowledged it is a legitimate official engagement. He suggested that such appearances naturally attract scrutiny due to their international prominence.
The Invictus Games, founded by Harry for wounded and injured service personnel, will be hosted in Birmingham from July 10 to 17 next year.
Prince William Reportedly ‘Appalled’ By King Charles’ Support For Sussex Visit
Meanwhile, reports surrounding the planned visit have highlighted differing reactions within the Royal Family.
While Charles is said to be pleased at the possibility of seeing Archie and Lilibet again after several years, William is reportedly far less enthusiastic.
According to reports cited by The Royalist, the Prince of Wales is “appalled” with what he sees as his father’s support for Harry and Meghan’s return.
William’s frustration has also grown amid claims that Charles may be helping to ensure security arrangements for the Sussex family during their stay.
Although British officials have declined to discuss any specific measures, a government spokesperson stated that security details are not disclosed publicly.
“It is our long-standing policy not to provide detailed information on those arrangements, as doing so could compromise their integrity and affect individuals’ security,” they noted, per She Knows.
Prince William Reportedly Threatened To ‘Boycott Sandringham’ Over Prince Harry And Meghan Markle
Reports have further suggested that William’s anger over the situation has recently intensified.
The Royalist claimed he had threatened to “boycott Sandringham forever” if Harry and Meghan were invited there, alleging that he already skipped a family gathering following Trooping the Colour as a sign of his displeasure.
William’s reputation for holding firm positions in personal disputes has also been a topic of discussion among royal commentators.
Earlier this year, journalist Roya Nikkhah told “Times Radio” that the future king is known for remembering perceived betrayals and rarely changing his stance once trust has been broken.
“William is someone who does hold a grudge; he does choose sides. If someone picks the other side, he remembers that,” she said.
Prince Harry Tried Reaching Out To William, But The Future King Has Not Been Cooperative
Earlier this year, royal author Omid Scobie shared that Harry has made unsuccessful efforts to reconnect with William, implying that the future king has been the reason behind the prolonged rift between the siblings.
“The ball has been in William’s court for some time now,” Scobie told People Magazine. “And he’s chosen not just to knock it back, but to kick it in the other direction.”
He added, “I think in terms of family, it takes two, and I think we have seen some effort between Harry and his father go both ways.”
Some royal commentators also believe younger audiences are increasingly sympathetic toward Harry, with reports suggesting many members of Generation Z and Generation Alpha view William’s handling of the family feud as overly “cold” and “unkind.”
