Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are more likely to be welcomed back to the UK by some members of the Royal Family than others during their trip this month. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex could bring their children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, across the pond for the first time in four years for the one-year countdown to the 2027 Invictus Games.
But Harry's various inflammatory claims about his family since moving to the US in 2020 have made some members of the Firm resistant to a reunion. He has alleged that King Charles was jealous of Meghan and Kate and was "never made" for single parenthood, as well as that William allegedly attacked him and pushed him into a dog bowl.
While the Prince and Princess of Wales are more likely to avoid Harry and Meghan during their trip than roll out the red carpet, others will make an effort to ensure the visit goes smoothly, according to royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams.
King Charles
King Charles is among the royals most likely to welcome Harry and Meghan to the UK, and may even have been involved in co-ordinating the trip behind the scenes, Mr Fitzwilliams said.
He told the Daily Mail: "He will put the emphasis on reconciliation and seeing his grandchildren, who he has not seen for four years."
While Charles "won't have forgotten the Sussexes' transgressions", he is aware that he is in his late 70s and battling cancer, which makes him want to be "as constructive as the situation allows".
(Image: Getty)Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie
Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie have had to contend with royal drama all of their own in recent months, following the arrest of their father and still-unfolding Jeffrey Epstein scandal.
As such, they may have sympathy for Harry and Meghan's various headline-making exploits, and the Duke of Sussex is known to have been friendly with his cousins in the past. Any meeting between the Sussexes and the sisters would likely fly under the radar, however, according to Mr Fitzwilliams.
"Harry and Meghan won't want to be too close to the sisters as they are far too controversial because of their disgraced parents," he said. "They may, of course, see them privately, but we may not hear of it."
(Image: Getty)Princess Anne
While Princess Anne's proximity to the Crown means her loyalty lies above all with the King, she has largely managed to stay out of reported "rifts" within the Firm.
As such, she didn't object to Harry and Meghan's decision to step down as senior royals in 2020 and will likely be welcoming on their return, if also keeping a wary eye on them, Mr Fitzwilliams said.
"Anne is a famously no-nonsense working royal," he said. "She was publicly supportive of the Sussexes' decision to step down from royal duties. However, she was reportedly suspicious of Meghan ... She doesn't trust them either."
(Image: Getty)The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh could also give Meghan and Harry a warm welcome out of sympathy for fellow royals who have explored careers outside of the Royal Family.
But their current status as inner-circle members of the Firm may complicate a friendly relationship, according to Mr Fitzwilliams.
"They initially wanted a not dissimilar situation with them having jobs as well as performing royal duties for themselves, but it did not work out," he said.
"They have done very well as senior working royals. They appear to get on superficially with Harry and Meghan, but there is no evidence they are close."
(Image: Getty)Zara and Mike Tindall
Zara and Mike Tindall have won the admiration of royal fans for their warm and friendly nature, most recently putting "tense" Beatrice and Eugenie at ease while greeting them at Peter Phillips's wedding.
The couple have historically been close to Harry, even naming him godfather to their daughter, Lena. While their natural amiability could be put to good use during this month's trip, the relationship isn't what it used to be, Mr Fitzwilliams said.
"Their once close friendship with Harry has cooled after the rift, which they have avoided being involved with," he explained. "They aren't likely to go out of their way to see them."
(Image: Getty)
