Royal biographer Hugo Vickers has prompted discussion by predicting that Prince Harry might eventually return to the UK without Meghan Markle, though he cautioned that such a return may be many years away.
On The Sun’s Royal Exclusive podcast, Vickers expressed his belief that the Duke of Sussex will one day abandon his California lifestyle and permanently move back to Britain. When royal editor Matt Wilkinson asked where the Sussexes might be in 20 years, the historian gave a notable prediction.
“I think he’ll come home, and if he comes home, we must be very nice to him because he won’t particularly want to,” Vickers said during the podcast appearance.
The historian suggested King Charles III has left an open invitation for his younger son to resume royal duties. Vickers highlighted Harry’s earlier time as a working royal, observing that the prince seemed happy in that role before stepping back from the monarchy in 2020 with Meghan.
After withdrawing from royal roles, Harry and Meghan established a new life in Montecito, California, living in a $29 million home with their two children, six-year-old Prince Archie and four-year-old Princess Lilibet. The pair have not returned to the UK together since attending Queen Elizabeth II’s State Funeral on September 19, 2022.
Harry has traveled to Britain alone, including a May 8, 2024, visit to St Paul’s Cathedral for the Invictus Games 10th anniversary. The duke officially designated the US as his primary residence, a move that further distanced him from official royal life.
Royal commentator Kinsey Schofield responded to Vickers’ forecast, saying any return is unlikely to be soon. She argued Harry would not leave his young children in America, making any potential move back at least a couple of decades away.
Bronte Coy, senior entertainment and royal reporter at News.com.au, acknowledged the complexity of Harry’s position during the podcast. She noted that if his marriage ended, his future would be uncertain because very few people share his unique profile.
Vickers also discussed the wider context of Harry’s relationship with the royal family. He said King Charles has kept the possibility of reconciliation open, while noting Harry seems to expect an apology from the royal family rather than offering one himself.
The biographer said Harry appears to have more hope of reconnecting with his father than with his brother Prince William, and that the rift between the two brothers remains a major barrier to any return to royal life.
Royal author Tom Quinn previously disclosed that Harry and Meghan once proposed a six-month arrangement to split their time between the UK and the US. Reportedly driven mainly by Meghan during the 2020 “Megxit” talks, the plan would have them serve as working royals in Britain for six months and spend the other six months in America.
Queen Elizabeth II rejected that plan, making it clear the couple had to choose whether they were fully part of the monarchy or not. “You’re either in or out,” the late monarch is said to have told them. King Charles has upheld that stance since becoming king after the queen’s death in September 2022.
Despite speculation about a possible return, insiders close to the Sussexes have suggested Meghan would never consider rejoining the royal family. The couple remains focused on their life in California, pursuing business ventures and humanitarian projects.
Discussion about Harry’s future ties with the royal family continues as the monarchy adjusts under King Charles. Whether Vickers’ prediction comes to pass is unclear, but his remarks have revived conversation about the chance Harry might eventually return home.
