The decision by Meghan Markle and Prince Harry to not return to the UK, either full-time or part-time, has been a topic of speculation and discussion among royal experts and insiders. Since their relocation to the United States in 2020 and their subsequent announcement to step back as senior members of the Royal Family, there have been varying opinions on their future plans.
Former Royal butler Grant Harold hinted at the possibility of the Sussexes permanently returning to the UK. However, a Hollywood insider firmly stated that Harry and Meghan have no intention of moving back to England. Lynn Carratt from Press Box PR told the Daily Mirror: “Meghan would not be happy settling in the UK, although I’m sure Harry would enjoy spending more time in his homeland and reconnecting with his old friends.”
This sentiment underscores a perceived reluctance from Meghan to return to the UK permanently. Reports suggest that Meghan had struggled with life in the UK before Megxit, and being part of the British monarchy was out of her comfort zone. On the other hand, Harry is reportedly eager to rejoin the Royal circle and reconnect with his family and friends in the UK.
However, public opinion of the Duchess of Sussex in Britain has fallen to an all-time low, according to a YouGov survey. Those with a negative view of Meghan made up 68 per cent of respondents. This decline in popularity may influence Meghan’s reluctance to return to the UK, where she faces heightened scrutiny and criticism from the media and the public.
Furthermore, Meghan’s popularity in America is perceived to be much greater than in the UK. As a Hollywood actress and philanthropist, she has built a significant following and support base in the United States. This may contribute to her preference for residing in the US, where she feels more appreciated and accepted by the public.
Lynn Carratt suggested that Meghan could take steps to increase her popularity in the UK if she desired. For example, she could refrain from constantly highlighting her royal connections, such as on her and Harry’s relaunched website. Additionally, toning down her use of designer labels and opting for more frugal options, similar to Kate Middleton, could make her appear more relatable to the British public.
Another suggestion is for Meghan to present herself as an average working mum facing similar challenges as others. This approach could help humanize her image and resonate with a wider audience in the UK. However, it remains to be seen whether Meghan will take these recommendations into consideration in her public appearances and engagements.
Despite their decision to not return to the UK permanently, it is likely that Meghan and Harry will visit the country more often in the future. During a Good Morning America interview, Harry mentioned having several planned trips for the year, allowing him to visit his family in the UK as much as possible. This indicates Harry’s desire to maintain ties with his British roots and ensure his children are aware of their British heritage.With their children, Archie and Lilibet, getting older and easier to travel with, it is anticipated that they will make more frequent visits to the UK in the future. Harry has previously expressed his commitment to ensuring his children understand their legacy and heritage, and regular visits to the UK would facilitate this goal.
In conclusion, while Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have no plans to return to the UK permanently, their relationship with the country remains significant. Harry’s desire to reconnect with his family and heritage, coupled with Meghan’s reluctance to reside in the UK, highlights the complexities of their decision-making process. As they navigate their future endeavors, it is likely that their ties to the UK will continue to evolve, shaping their interactions and engagements in the years to come.