Could Meghan Markle return to the UK for the first time in four years? The verdict remains unclear amid contradicting reports.
The Duchess of Sussex recently made waves in the media following claims of her possible return to the UK to support her husband, Prince Harry. She will allegedly join him in promoting the upcoming Invictus Games.
Sources claim Meghan Markle will only make her comeback to the UK if Prince Harry's security demands are granted. However, other sources begged to differ, arguing that the reports of the Duchess's return are false.
Meghan Markle May Return To The UK If Prince Harry's Security Needs Are Met
According to new reports, Meghan could join Harry in the UK for the first time in four years to attend the one-year-to-go celebrations for the Invictus Games. They previously attended the countdown events for the Paralympic-style games in 2022 and 2024.
The return of the Sussexes will only happen if Harry's security demands are met, as he has repeatedly emphasized his refusal to bring his family back to the UK without the reinstatement of their complete security detail. They lost the privilege after stepping down as working royals in 2020.
Whether or not Harry obtains an upgrade to the taxpayer-backed security remains uncertain as his case is still under review, per PEOPLE. However, those close to him are reportedly optimistic that it will end in his favor as there are "positive" noises coming from the UK government.
The Duke Of Sussex's Spokesperson Allegedly Refuted The Comeback Claims
Following several reports of Meghan's possible return to the UK hinging on the results of Harry's security reinstatement, a spokesperson for the Duke shared a different narrative. The Daily Express US covered the story, reporting that a royal expert shut down the speculations.
According to Royal expert Tom Sykes, a spokesperson for Prince Harry told him the report was "pure speculation." He also quoted another source who believed Meghan would return to the UK with her children if their complete security was reinstated.
"They love to do stuff as a family whenever they can, and when they do things philanthropically, they often take the kids along privately," the source reasoned. Meghan last appeared in the UK in September 2022 to attend Queen Elizabeth II's funeral.
How Social Media Users Reacted To The Duchess's Possible Return
News of Meghan's possible return to the UK sparked adverse reactions from social media users on X, as many believed she and her husband did not deserve the reinstatement of their taxpayer-backed security after leaving the Royal Family.
One displeased fan penned a lengthy letter to the UK, reminding them of Harry and Meghan's faults. "If any return happens, subject to security considerations, the only proportionate welcome would be one grounded in truth and reflective of the reality they themselves created," they wrote.
A fellow critic agreed, slamming Harry and Meghan as "rich elitists" who expect "hardworking and struggling taxpayers in the UK to pay for their security" after trashing the Royal Family and abandoning their royal duties. An X user labeled them "ungrateful traitors," while another declared that Meghan wasn't wanted in the UK.
Meghan Markle's Husband's Relationship With The Palace Reportedly Strained Again
Social media users may not be the only ones outraged by Harry and Meghan's return to the UK, hinging on their complete security detail. According to The Mirror, the Duke's fight for taxpayer-backed protection has reportedly strained his relationship with the Palace.
It is no secret that Harry's fight for complete protection for he and his family caused a stir within the Royal Family, especially after he lost a Court of Appeal challenge over the issue. Now, Harry will return to court for his High Court legal action against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL).
Sources claimed that his father, King Charles, did not wish to be associated with his son's legal drama and would keep his distance once Harry returns to the UK for the trial, which starts on January 19. As for the complete security reinstatement, a verdict will be announced later this month.
Former Royal Aide Denies Claims Of The Palace's Interference With The Security Review
The Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) is reviewing the reinstatement of Harry's complete security after the Home Office reportedly ordered a full threat assessment for the first time since 2020.
Insiders claimed the results would end in Harry's favor, as a different outcome would suggest "intervention from the Palace." However, a former royal aide shut down this narrative, arguing that the Palace had no power within Ravec.
"While they sit on the committee, it is not their role to advise on threat analysis or appropriate mitigations," the former aide told The Times. They added that a review was always carried out by intelligence and security experts whenever Harry chose to visit the UK.