If seeing his grandkids brings the King comfort in his fight with cancer, it’s a win, argues Emily Wright.
Harry and Meghan are returning to the UK (Image: Getty)
They spent six years lobbing verbal grenades from California – and now Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are coming home. The news that the Sussexes have secured a secret, private property to make a shock return at the end of August – enrolling young Archie and Lilibet into British schools – leaves millions, including myself, asking the obvious question: why now?
After half a decade of slinging mud from their Montecito fortress, throwing accusations on Oprah and airing dirty laundry in Netflix docuseries and tell-all memoirs, the runaway royals have suddenly decided Britain isn’t so terrible after all. If there is any comfort to be drawn from this bizarre homecoming, it is for the King. Anything that provides a boost to King Charles – giving him the simple joy of having his young grandchildren nearby as he continues his brave, ongoing battle with cancer – can only be seen as a positive.
But for me, the timing of this dramatic retreat raises massive questions that demand immediate answers.
Has California’s money dried up, forcing them to come to the UK with their tails between their legs? (Image: Getty)
Is the American dream dead? Has California’s money dried up, or have Hollywood’s A-listers finally grown tired of the endless royal drama?
What about taxpayer security? Harry made an absolute meal out of claiming the UK was far too dangerous ahead of the July visit, yet he is now moving his entire family back in a matter of weeks. Who is picking up the tab for their armed guards now?
Is “Megxit” officially over? The 2020 Sandringham Agreement explicitly barred the pair from being “half-in, half-out.” Will they really be allowed to run commercial lifestyle brands like they have been in Montecito while living back under a quiet, unearned royal umbrella in the UK? According to reports, there will be no change to Harry and Meghan’s role and status as private individuals and non-working members of the Royal Family.
William and Catherine suffered years of relentless personal attacks at the hands of the Sussexes (Image: Getty)
Can William ever forgive them? King Charles may be eager to see his grandchildren, but the Prince and Princess of Wales suffered years of relentless personal attacks. A quiet move into a private residence will not magically heal those deeply fractured bonds.
If Harry and Meghan genuinely wish to rebuild their lives in the UK, they must realise that respect cannot be bought, rented, or demanded through PR campaigns.
They slammed the door on Britain on their way out. Returning quietly for an “extended period” doesn’t erase the past six years – and the British public won’t be fooled easily.