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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been back in the UK for only a few weeks, but their return has already been marked by a series of difficult developments.
Attention surrounding the Sussexes’ comeback was temporarily overshadowed last week by renewed controversy over Princess Diana, following the release of a much-anticipated memoir written by her brother, Charles Spencer.
In the book, Viscount Spencer makes the striking allegation that the then-Prince Charles told him ‘we will forget her soon enough’ in the aftermath of Diana’s fatal car crash in Paris.
Spencer also recalled the telephone conversation in which he claimed Charles sounded ‘elated… like a lottery winner’. He further alleged that he had tried to stop William, who was 15, and Harry, then 11, from walking behind their mother’s coffin during the public funeral procession. According to Spencer’s account, his objections were overruled because Charles wanted his sons to take part to protect him from possible hostility from the crowds.
The allegations are likely to have added another difficult dimension to Harry’s already turbulent period since relocating to Britain with Meghan and their children.
Sources now claim the Princess of Wales has found it difficult to watch her estranged brother-in-law navigate the situation. Her reported concern has been heightened by the disruption involving Harry’s children, who were moved to another school after just two days amid concerns over their security.
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Despite the long-running tensions between the Sussexes and the Waleses, a source claims Kate has not been able to completely put aside the affection she once felt for Harry.
‘With the deep divisions between the Sussexes and the Waleses, you might think Kate would have no sympathy for Harry, but she cannot simply switch off her emotions like that,’ the source says. ‘She understands Harry’s determination to protect his children, even if she remains wary of the Sussexes following everything that’s happened.
‘She knows Harry has made mistakes and she hasn’t forgotten what has happened. But she remembers the Harry she was once so close to. Seeing him struggling over his children is difficult for her. Whatever has happened between the adults, she doesn’t want Archie and Lilibet paying the price.’
Kate, 44, once shared a particularly close bond with her brother-in-law, with Harry famously referring to her as the ‘sister he never had’. While the Princess is now said to have some sympathy for what he is going through, Prince William, also 44, reportedly remains firm in his position.
According to the source, William and Kate are taking noticeably different approaches to the latest difficulties surrounding Harry and Meghan, particularly when it comes to their children.
‘William remains incredibly tough when it comes to Harry and Meghan, whereas Kate finds it harder to be quite so black and white. William fears the children could be used as pawns in the wider battle to demonstrate why the Sussexes need greater security in the UK.
‘Kate, as a protective mum herself, can understand the instinct to do whatever it takes to make sure your children are kept safe. She has encouraged William to remember that this isn’t just about Harry and Meghan anymore, the kids are what’s important.’
The security issue reportedly became particularly pressing for Harry, 42, and Meghan, 45, shortly after Archie, seven, and Lilibet, five, began attending their first private school.
After only 48 hours, the Duke and Duchess are said to have ‘reluctantly’ removed both children because of concerns about their safety. The couple reportedly felt that congestion during the school run left their family vulnerable, particularly after their vehicle became separated from the rest of their security convoy, leaving them feeling like ‘sitting ducks’.
Further concerns reportedly emerged when Meghan’s private mobile number was exposed after she joined a WhatsApp group for parents in Archie’s class.
One mother welcomed her to the group with the message, ‘Welcome to Meghan, who has Archie joining tomo’. Meghan responded warmly, writing, ‘Hi moms! Thanks for the warm welcome [heart emoji] So happy to be a part of this community xx’. A screenshot showing the conversation was subsequently circulated.
According to the insider, the incident added to an already challenging period for the Sussex family as Harry and Meghan attempt to provide stability for their children following several months of significant change.
‘Archie and Lilibet have had so much change over the past few months, and both Harry and Meghan desperately want them to feel settled. There have been some serious rows over where the children should go to school and what would be best for their safety.
‘Harry desperately wants them to feel settled and secure. Nothing matters more to him than keeping his children safe and happy.’
Harry and Meghan’s move back to Britain has attracted considerable attention, particularly given how candidly the couple have previously discussed the Royal Family. Their public comments about King Charles, Prince William and Princess Kate have featured in television interviews, their Netflix series and Harry’s memoir, Spare.
According to the insider, however, one of Harry’s main motivations for returning was to provide Archie and Lilibet with a stronger sense of stability and connection to the UK.
‘Coming back to the UK was supposed to give the children roots. Harry knows returning was a massive decision and he feels a responsibility to make this work for the whole family and make sure everyone is happy.
‘Meghan doesn’t want their return to Britain to become another miserable story about security and royal rows. She wants people to see that they’re happy and that the children are enjoying being here.’
The source added that the recent difficulties have reinforced Harry’s long-standing concerns about his family’s protection, although he is reportedly distressed that the issue is now directly affecting his children.
‘Harry feels vindicated in one sense because this demonstrates that security isn’t some abstract argument for him anymore. But he also hates that Archie and Lilibet are now being affected by something he has fought over for years.
‘Harry just wants the children to go to school and make friends. After moving them halfway across the world and then changing their school within days, he’s desperate for life to become boring for a while. Right now, that would feel like a huge success to him.’
