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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have managed to shock people around the world again; this time with the news that they are moving back to the U.K. The announcement that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are returning to England comes more than six years after Megxit.

The couple, who left the U.K. in 2020 and stated that they would “work to become financially independent” in America, are heading back to Britain for an “extended period” within a matter of days. Now, royal watchers are wondering just what King Charles and Prince William think about the move. Well, someone who used to work closely with them has an idea.

Grant Harrold was King Charles’ butler for seven years. During his time working for the monarch, his duties also included valet, housekeeper, house manager, and driver. He looked after Prince William, Catherine, and Prince Harry as well whenever they stayed at Highgrove House. Since leaving the royal household, Harrold has become one of the U.K.’s leading etiquette experts. In 2025, he published his first book, The Royal Butler, which became an Amazon bestseller. He regularly appears on TV offering royal commentary on both current and historic news stories.

Speaking on behalf of CasinoHawks, Harrold told Showbiz Cheat Sheet, “I’ve always assumed [Harry] would come back, but the timing has shocked me and how quickly it’s happened. There’s been no warning or build-up. It’s nice that he wants to come back, and I understand he wants to be closer to his father. I’m happy that he wants to rebuild that relationship. I think Harry wants to focus on family. I think he wants to be near his father and his mother’s family, the Spencers. But at the same time I’m worried about it.

“Part of their decision must have been that things haven’t gone as they planned in the U.S. The contracts are coming to the end, and it doesn’t sound like they’ve had the best time professionally. Public opinion has changed too much against them. I think a lot of people are genuinely furious by their decision to come back. That’s going to be difficult for both Meghan and Harry to deal with. I think he sees all the good and the happiness, but I don’t think he grasps the extent of the upset he’s caused.”

One family member likely furious over the Sussexes’ decision to return is Prince William, as Harrold explained, the Prince of Wales’ stance on his estranged brother and sister-in-law is different from his father’s.

The former royal butler said, “We know Harry only told his father of his plans to return to the U.K. on Sunday, which is very short notice — especially as planning must have been going on for a while. It’s shocking that he hasn’t discussed it with his father. The only reason I can think of why he didn’t tell the king was he didn’t want Prince William to know. It’s very childish, but I don’t think he wants his brother to know what he’s up to.

“I think the king will be happy to have Harry and Meghan back nearby, but he will be worried about what they will do. He will also be worried about William’s reaction. There would have been countless conversations between the two of them in recent days. The king will be trying to be positive and see the good side of it, but William will have a more cynical view. The king always wants to see the good in people, he always wants to resolve issues — but William isn’t as trusting.”

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