Prince Harry opens door to return but Meghan “unlikely” to follow
Prince Harry appears to be keeping the door open for a future return to the UK — even if Meghan Markle may not share that enthusiasm, according to royal experts.
After five years of living in California, sources suggest the Duke of Sussex is increasingly nostalgic for his life in Britain. Reports indicate that King Charles and Prince William may even be quietly encouraging his return, hoping to rebuild strained family ties.
Royal commentator Lynn Carratt from E20 Communications explained to Express US that Harry is considering his options: “A return isn’t guaranteed, but it’s not off the table either. Harry is keeping his options open — which is why this conversation keeps resurfacing.”
However, Carratt noted that Meghan’s stance is very different. “Meghan had a difficult experience in the UK, and it’s unlikely she’d support a full-time return. Her identity, support network, and career presence are firmly anchored in the U.S.”
Adding fuel to the speculation, Harry recently wrote an essay where he referred to himself as “currently” living in the United States — a deliberate wording, says Carratt. “Harry knows the weight his phrasing carries. It sounds less like someone permanently settled abroad, and more like someone leaving room for change.”
She also highlighted Harry’s deep desire for his children — Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet — to understand their British roots: “He has always said he wants his children to know the country he grew up in and understand their heritage.”
The idea of the couple splitting their time between two continents has gained traction. Carratt pointed out: “Modern marriages look different now. Plenty of couples successfully live in different cities — even different countries — when careers demand it. Harry and Meghan have always done things their own way.”
Former royal photographer Ian Pelham Turner, who knew Princess Diana, believes Harry is genuinely serious about eventually having a base in the UK again. “I think Harry is very sincere about returning. I see no reason why Meghan and the children wouldn’t be welcomed. They could easily split their time — part of the year in Britain, part in America — and even take on royal engagements, particularly involving disability and ethnic communities.”
For now, no decision has been made — but it appears Prince Harry is leaving the door wider open than ever before.
