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Will Meghan Markle Return to the UK for Invictus Games? Royal Experts Weigh In
London, UK – The question on many minds in royal circles and beyond: Will Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, make a return to the United Kingdom this summer? Prince Harry is slated to be in Birmingham for the one-year countdown to the Invictus Games, and while he reportedly hopes his wife will join him, royal experts are offering a variety of insights, with many pointing to one key factor: security.
A spokesperson for Archewell, the couple’s foundation, has dismissed current reports as “entirely speculative,” leaving the Duchess’s travel plans for July unconfirmed.
Security Concerns at the Forefront
Kinsey Schofield, host of “Kinsey Schofield Unfiltered,” suggests that Meghan’s return is contingent on receiving automatic armed security. Prince Harry has previously voiced concerns about bringing his family – including their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet – to the UK without adequate protection.
Under the current Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC) protocol, a 30-day notice is required to assess threat levels for non-working royals. Schofield believes that an Invictus appearance would likely grant both Harry and Meghan armed security. However, she notes that recent headlines pushing for an automatic security reversal might be an attempt to sway the committee’s assessment.
“While Prince Harry receives armed protection during most of his U.K. visits, the issue for the couple is the lack of automatic armed security,” Schofield stated. “They object to having to request protection on a case-by-case basis. This outcome was clearly outlined as a consequence when they chose to step back from their roles as working members of the royal family.”
Intriguingly, sources from the Home Office have indicated that Harry’s security is now “nailed on,” with People magazine reporting “positive” considerations being made for a reversal of the decision to deny him full-time armed protection. A review is reportedly underway.
A Royal Reunion in the Cards?
Royal expert Ian Pelham Turner views these developments as a potential move by King Charles III to unite the family. “I feel talks are underway to open the doors for Harry and Meghan to return to Britain as part of King Charles’ legacy to unite the family while he has the power and strength to do so,” Turner explained.
He added that Meghan would likely seek “many assurances,” particularly regarding her treatment and her ability to maintain her individuality. “Security is one of the biggest issues.
I see encouraging signs that the heated moments of the past have cooled. I also believe Harry has asked King Charles to open the Invictus Games.”
Meghan, 44, has typically supported her husband at past Invictus Games events and their countdown celebrations. However, the couple’s relationship with the royal family has been strained since their departure as senior royals in 2020 and subsequent move to California. Their candid interviews, documentaries, and Harry’s memoir, “Spare,” have further exacerbated tensions.
A Chilly Reception from the Public and Royals?
Despite potential efforts for reconciliation from King Charles, some experts believe Meghan could face a cold shoulder from other royal family members and the British public.
“I don’t think we would see the working royals even acknowledge their presence,” Schofield claimed. “The Sussexes’ credibility has been bruised over the last few years, and the royals want to keep their distance…. She felt rejected by Harry’s family and country and wants to focus on her U.S. aspirations.”
British royals expert Hilary Fordwich echoed these sentiments, calling a return a “risky move.” “She will be viewed as divisive at best.
She is smart and knows she will be entering a frightfully hostile environment…. The royals are also beyond wary.”
Fordwich also suggested that Prince William blames Meghan for escalating private tensions into a public spectacle, leading to “no tolerance for reconciliation.”
British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard believes the public’s anger and annoyance over Meghan and Harry’s past behavior “is not water under the bridge,” predicting a less-than-warm reception.
The Humbling Curtsy and Public Opinion
Schofield highlighted that Meghan’s biggest hurdle remains public perception. “Meghan knows she’s not very popular in the U.K.,” she stated, recalling that Meghan was “audibly booed” during a previous visit. “She is trying to avoid public humiliation more than anything.”
Fordwich concurred, suggesting that a repeat of the booing incident “would be frightfully damaging to her brand with huge reputational risks.”
Meghan’s last visit to the UK was for Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in September 2022. Her children, Archie and Lilibet, have only visited Harry’s home country once since the couple relocated to California, for the late queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June of the same year.
Harry’s ongoing legal battle with Associated Newspapers, publishers of the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday, will bring him to London on January 19th, though Meghan is not expected to attend.
The potential return of Meghan Markle to the UK remains a complex issue, intertwined with security protocols, family dynamics, and public sentiment, all under the watchful eye of royal observers.