Huge roadblock to Prince Harry’s royal return: report

Royal circles are abuzz with speculation Harry is “plotting” a UK comeback – but sources have revealed one thing reportedly standing in the way.

IN LONDON

An apology from Prince William would be crucial to any possible return by Prince Harry to the royal fold, according to a new report.

There’s been plenty of buzz about the Duke of Sussex’s apparent backflip on his 2020 departure from official duties, with claims that he’s been in touch with former British friends and aides in what’s understood to be an attempt to make a royal comeback.

But a source close to Harry has now told the UK’s Mirror that he is focused on “making a success of his life” in the United States and remains comfortable with his decision to give up his royal role.

The insider added that he is, however, open to “helping out” King Charles temporarily where needed – but would want an apology from his estranged brother if he was to represent the family.

They also insisted that any contact Harry may have had with past acquaintances would be “purely for strategic and friendly advice”.

The warring brothers have reportedly not spoken for almost two years. Picture: Mark Kerrison/In Pictures via Getty Images

Speculation about Harry’s future plans were sparked by a report published in the Mail on Sunday over the weekend which quoted sources claiming that he was working toward ending his “US exile” and attempting to “rehabilitate” his image.

“Harry is turning away from all sorts of Hollywood publicists and is seeking counsel from his old friends and associates,” said an insider.

“He is clearly reaching out thinking, ‘I need to do something different because what I’m doing is clearly not working.’ In short, he is rethinking the way he operates.”

News.com.au has reached out to Prince Harry’s representatives for comment.

Harry and Meghan recently undertook a “non-royal royal tour” in Colombia. Picture: Diego Cuevas/Getty Images

Meanwhile, there’s been heavy tension between Harry and William, with the latter reportedly still furious about his brother’s heavy public criticism of himself, Kate and their father since leaving royal duties.

The warring brothers both attended their uncle’s funeral in the UK last week, marking their first joint appearance in two years, but it’s understood they steered clear of each other.

The last time they were in the same room was in September 2022 when the late Queen passed away, it is believed

The four royals briefly reunited when the Queen died. Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Harry’s decision to make the trip back to England in order to be part of the farewell for Robert Fellowes (their mother’s sister’s husband), and the fact that William did not opt out as a result, has “cast a glimmer of hope in an otherwise deeply depressing impasse”, family friends later told the Daily Beast.

The Spencer insider added that that Diana’s family is “working hard to get the brothers to reconcile” and that it was probably “always going to be a funeral” that “brought the boys together under one roof”.

“They both adore Jane [Lady Jane Fellowes, Robert’s widow], and it’s absolutely right that they were both there out of respect to her,” the source said.

“It’s an important recognition of the fact that blood is thicker than water. It’s a mature, promising sign that their private disagreements are not going be allowed to overshadow important family events.”

The brothers’ proximity at the funeral may offer some hope of reconciliation, but it’s likely to be a long road, if it ever happens.

It’s understood Harry and Meghan Markle’s note to the Princess of Wales – addressed to “Kate”, rather than her preferred “Catherine” – following her cancer diagnosis earlier this year irritated William and ultimately went unanswered.

Originally published as Huge roadblock to Prince Harry’s royal return: report