Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s U.K. Return Could Be Short-Lived as They Face a Major Royal Roadblock
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle might reportedly not be in the U.K. for very long. Dickie Arbiter, the former palace spokesperson, shared his take while speaking about the couple’s return to Britain on the At Home with Vanessa podcast.
Arbiter worked at Buckingham Palace from 1988 to 2000. “I don’t believe for a moment they will last in the United Kingdom,” he said. Harry and Markle landed back in the U.K. on August 26, with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. They reportedly plan to stay for an extended period. But they haven’t clarified exactly how long.
According to the Express, He also thinks Harry’s Invictus Games work is one big reason he’s back in the U.K. “He wants a hands on with the Invictus Games which is in Birmingham next year, July,” Arbiter said. Arbiter questioned whether organizers want Harry to get “too hands-on.”
Still, he said they would welcome his presence to help promote the Games in Britain. On September 17, Harry showed up at the first-ever Invictus Spirit Awards in London. He met veterans and supporters, posed for photos, and even took a few selfies with guests.
The next day, Harry was in Birmingham. He visited Ninestiles School to launch the new Invictus INSPIRE education program. There, Harry played pickleball with students alongside former Invictus competitors Clare Gibson and Squadron Leader Samantha May.
He also joined a Year 9 STEM class. The lesson focused on prosthetic design and performance. Arbiter also thinks Harry may have expected more from his return to Britain. Later, Harry joined around 200 students for an assembly to talk about sport, service, and recovery.
The INSPIRE programme gives U.K. schools free lessons linked to the Invictus Games. The lessons cover subjects including math, English, STEM, art, sport, and performing arts. Arbiter thinks Harry may have hoped that moving back would sort out his security issues.
He may have also thought it could help fix things with his family. But Charles made his position clear. “He got a comeuppance when he was told that nothing had changed from the 2020 Sandringham Summit,” Arbiter added.
“He chose to opt out, he chose to be financially independent and he’s not a working royal.” Harry and Markle stepped back from royal duties in 2020 and later moved to North America. They also became financially independent.
Arbiter thinks Harry may have hoped returning to Britain could eventually bring him back into royal life. “I think he also thinks that he might be able to work around his father to get him back in the fold,” he continued. “But his father’s made it very clear there ain’t no job for you. You’re on your own, son.”
Harry’s U.K. security has been a big issue since he stepped down as a working royal. The dispute has dragged on for years. His children also ran into security issues after returning. Archie and Lilibet left their first U.K. school after just two days, reportedly over security concerns.
The kids later moved to another school. On September 7, Lord Benyon issued a letter on Charles’ behalf, making their status clear. Harry and Markle are still private citizens and non-working royals. They’ll continue their charity and business work privately.
