Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have returned to the United Kingdom with their two children, but royal experts say the move may be less about a permanent homecoming and more about securing the “best of both worlds.”
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex — who are reportedly looking for a home in Britain — are expected to maintain their ties to Montecito, California, while keeping their businesses based in the United States.
Royal commentator Kinsey Schofield told Fox News Digital that the reported arrangement appears to give the couple access to Britain and the royal family while allowing them to maintain their independent lives in the US.
“I suspect they want the best of both worlds — access to Britain, proximity to the monarchy and the credibility that comes with Harry’s royal identity, while maintaining the freedom and commercial opportunities they associate with life outside the UK,” Schofield said.
Schofield said the Sussexes’ reported plans resemble the “half-in, half-out” role that Queen Elizabeth II rejected when Harry and Meghan stepped back from royal duties in 2020.
While the couple has reportedly vowed to avoid making public comments or releasing photos that could overshadow Prince George’s start at Eton this month, Schofield said the Sussexes’ broader UK plans raise questions about whether they are truly returning to Britain for good or simply testing the waters.
“Harry and Meghan never do what they say or say what they mean,” she said. “One year ago, Harry told us the UK was not safe enough to bring his wife and children. Now someone is briefing the Daily Mail that Harry has a 15-year plan in the UK. Alternatively, we’re briefed this could be temporary.”
“I would describe it as a trial run rather than a definitive homecoming,” Schofield added.
Harry and Meghan relocated to California in 2020 after stepping back as working members of the royal family. Since then, they have released various projects, including a Netflix docuseries and Harry’s memoir, “Spare,” and have pursued a series of entertainment and business ventures outside the monarchy.
However, their return to Britain has raised questions about their motives.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams said Harry and Meghan have increasingly presented themselves as an “international” power couple, rather than tying themselves to either the UK or the US.
“They reportedly see themselves as ‘international citizens,’” Fitzwilliams told Fox News Digital. “They claim that their balance of business activities and trips abroad over the last six years is a success.”
“Rather than planting one flag, the Sussexes appear to be keeping several doors open,” Schofield added.
Helena Chard, a British broadcaster and photographer, also said Harry and Meghan are “keeping their options open.”
“Things haven’t gone to plan for various reasons, but one thing’s for sure: They need to keep relevant,” Chard told Fox News Digital. “Cue travel to the UK, be seen with the British Royal Family and push for state-funded armed police protection.”
Chard said enrolling the children in a British school could benefit the family while also helping Harry pursue the security arrangements he has sought since stepping back as a working royal.
“Like a dog with a bone, Harry will fight for everything he believes his family deserves,” Chard said.
The experts also questioned whether Harry and Meghan are equally invested in making Britain a permanent home.
“Harry has much more at stake emotionally,” Schofield said. “Returning gives him an opportunity to reconnect with his country, his family, old friends and a version of his identity that he walked away from six years ago.”
“For Meghan, Britain carries different associations,” she continued. “She has repeatedly described her royal experience as deeply unhappy, so I think it is reasonable to question whether she could ever feel the same enthusiasm Harry might feel about putting down permanent roots.”
“Harry may see Britain as coming home. Meghan may see Britain as somewhere useful to spend part of the year,” Schofield said. “Those are two very different emotional investments.”
A spokesperson for Archewell, which handles the offices of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
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