Royal experts have criticized Prince Harry’s interest in a part-time return to royal duties. Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is reportedly setting strict conditions for any potential return to the UK, demanding a prominent role.
According to royal biographer Angela Levin, Markle would only consider coming back if she could assume some of the roles currently held by the Princess of Wales, Catherine Middleton. This comes amid ongoing speculation about Prince Harry’s potential return to the UK. The Duke of Sussex, who stepped down as a senior royal with Meghan Markle in 2020, is reportedly consulting with former aides and friends about the feasibility of a return in a different capacity.
Sources close to Harry suggest he is reassessing his current situation, with one insider telling The Mail on Sunday that Harry is “clearly reaching out, thinking, ‘I need to do something different because what I’m doing is not working.’”
Levin, speaking on GB News, claimed that Meghan’s potential return is driven by a desire to secure a role comparable to or even surpassing that of Catherine. Levin suggested Meghan might be “jealous” of Catherine and would require “a big house and lots of money” as part of any return.
“Meghan is not going to come back unless she can take on some of Catherine’s roles,” Levin stated. “She has previously expressed frustration that she and Harry were not compensated for their royal duties, which she found shocking. Returning under such conditions would likely be disastrous.”
Levin also criticized Harry’s desire for a part-time return to royal life, arguing that it contradicts the late Queen Elizabeth II’s firm stance against such an arrangement.
“The late Queen was clear that there could be no half-in, half-out arrangement. Harry wanting to come back under those conditions is deeply unsettling,” Levin remarked.
The discussion on GB News, hosted by Andrew Pierce, explored the challenges facing the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Pierce suggested Harry “wants the best of both worlds” after relinquishing his royal duties in 2020. Levin agreed, warning that Harry might attempt to exploit the current pressures on Prince William and King Charles III.
Levin also suggested that if Harry were serious about returning to the UK, he should offer an apology to his father. However, she added, “He won’t do that. Instead, he’ll demand apologies, money, and enhanced security.”
Meanwhile, GB News host Nana Akua speculated that the Sussexes’ efforts to establish a new life in California might be faltering, which could explain Harry’s reconsideration of his stance. “Project Meghan has unravelled, which might explain why Harry is looking to rebuild bridges in the UK,” Akua suggested.
Levin concurred, noting that despite Meghan’s claims of being a “global” figure, she has struggled to maintain a positive image, particularly in the UK.
“Meghan always calls herself a global something or other, but she isn’t. She needs to understand why people don’t like her. Another head of PR has left her team, whereas in the real monarchy, staff remain for decades because they are treated as family,” Levin concluded.
