Royal biographer Hugo Vickers has prompted discussion by forecasting that Prince Harry could one day return to the UK without Meghan Markle, although he warned any such return might be many years off.
During an appearance on The Sun’s Royal Exclusive podcast, Vickers expressed his belief that the Duke of Sussex may eventually abandon his Californian lifestyle and resettle in Britain. When royal editor Matt Wilkinson asked where he thought the Sussexes would be in twenty 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 a pathway open for his younger son to resume royal duties, noting Harry seemed content as a working royal before stepping back from duties in 2020 with Meghan.
After withdrawing from frontline royal duties in 2020, Harry and Meghan established a new life in Montecito, California, living in a $29 million residence with their two children: six-year-old Prince Archie and four-year-old Princess Lilibet. The couple have not returned to the UK together since attending Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral on September 19, 2022.
Harry has traveled to Britain on his own, including a visit to St Paul’s Cathedral on May 8, 2024, for the Invictus Games 10th anniversary. He has formally designated the US as his primary residence, marking a further step away from royal life.
Royal commentator Kinsey Schofield responded to Vickers’ forecast by saying a return is unlikely anytime soon, stressing that Harry would not leave his young children in America — putting any realistic move at least two decades away.
Bronte Coy, senior entertainment and royal reporter at News.com.au, acknowledged the complexity of Harry’s circumstances on the podcast. She observed that if his marriage ended, his future would be unclear because very few people occupy his unique position.
Vickers also discussed the wider picture of Harry’s relationship with the royal family, suggesting the king has left room for reconciliation while noting Harry seems to expect an apology from the family rather than giving one himself.
The biographer said Harry appears to have a better chance of reconciling with his father than with his brother, Prince William, and that the rift between the brothers remains a major hurdle for any return to royal duties.
Author Tom Quinn previously reported that Harry and Meghan proposed a six-month split arrangement—spending half the year in the UK and half in the US—during the 2020 Megxit negotiations. The plan, reportedly led largely by Meghan, would have seen them act as working royals in Britain for six months.
Queen Elizabeth II rejected that proposal, making it clear they had to decide whether to be fully in or out of the monarchy. “You’re either in or out,” the late monarch reportedly told them. King Charles has maintained that stance since becoming king after the Queen’s death in September 2022.
Despite talk of a return, sources close to the Sussexes say Meghan would not consider rejoining the royal family. The couple remain focused on life in California, pursuing business ventures and humanitarian initiatives.
Debate over Harry’s future relationship with the monarchy continues as the institution adapts under King Charles. Whether Vickers’ prediction will come to pass is uncertain, but his remarks have revived conversation about the possibility of Harry eventually returning to Britain.
