Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have made a notable return to the United Kingdom after several years residing in Southern California. Reports suggest that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be staying in Britain for the foreseeable future, with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, enrolled in a private school just outside London. This unexpected move has ignited considerable speculation, with various theories surfacing regarding Harry’s motivations.
A Princess Diana TV Project
One prominent theory is related to a new television project centered on Harry’s late mother, Princess Diana. Richard Kay, a senior editor-at-large at the Daily Mail, revealed on the show “Palace Confidential” that Harry’s return might have been influenced by his desire to create a documentary about her life. Kay stated, “I am told that one of the reasons Harry’s here is to make a television film, his own film, about his mother.” He further mentioned that Harry has been reaching out to friends and acquaintances who knew Diana to gather insights and contributions, indicating that this endeavor will occupy much of his focus in the coming year.
Sibling Rivalry
However, this new direction may not sit well with Harry’s brother, Prince William. Kay pointed out the sibling rivalry inherent in the situation, asserting that while many tend to associate Harry with Diana, William equally shares that legacy as her son. He elaborated, “Harry has tried to claim the Diana legacy for himself, to William’s intense frustration.” Kay noted that this could exacerbate the existing tensions, as Harry’s attempts to leverage his mother’s memory could be viewed as an effort to distance himself from the royal family.
Illustrating this point, he recalled Harry’s visit to England earlier this summer, during which he spent time with Diana’s family at Althorp. Kay suggested that such actions only deepen the divide between the brothers.
The End of the Monarchy?
Further complicating matters, Richard Eden, the Mail’s diary editor, shared insights from royal sources indicating that William and Princess Catherine are adopting a strategy of complete disregard for the Sussexes. According to Eden, their friends contended that the couple sees no need to change their approach: “They are two people who are now private citizens, not working royals.” He added, “It should make no difference whether they are in California or Britain.” This stance suggests a desire to maintain a firm line against any perceived demands from Harry and Meghan.
Eden concluded with a stern warning: if the Sussexes are accommodated too readily, it could signal a detrimental shift for the monarchy, stating, “You have got to be firm with them, or it will lead, I think, to the end of the monarchy.” With the stage set for a potential clash of royal dynamics, the coming months could prove pivotal for both Harry’s new project and his relationship with the royal family.
