Prince Harry was back in England. But it wasn’t exactly a happy homecoming.
In early April, the Duke of Sussex, 40, once again found himself in a London courtroom as he continued his legal bid to restore state-funded security for himself, wife Meghan Markle and their children, Archie, 5, and Lilibet, 3 — which they lost when he and the Duchess of Sussex, 43, stepped away from their royal duties in 2020 and moved to California.
According to The Telegraph, Harry said he was “exhausted” and “overwhelmed” by the case. Some reports suggest the judicial proceedings have widened the rift between the prince and the monarchy — but an insider exclusively tells Life & Style that Harry’s unwillingness to give up the fight shows how eager he is to reconnect with his family.
“Harry is still trying to work out the security issues so his kids can go to the U.K. safely,” says the insider, noting he’s previously blamed the lack of police protection for why the brood haven’t been spotted abroad. “He and Meghan really do want to spend some quality time in his homeland.”
Yes, even Meghan — who’s leveled her share of negative accusations at her in-laws — is allegedly on board.
“She and Harry don’t miss the stuffy pomp and splendor of royal life, but they do regret the absence of family and their connection to England,” says the insider. “Slowly but surely, they are working towards a royal reunion. The signs are all there.”
The Royal Family’s Trust Issues
Reconciling is still a big ask. There’s been tension between the Sussexes and the rest of the royals since they relocated — and then proceeded to tell-all on King Charles III, 76, Prince William, 42, Princess Kate, 43, Queen Camilla, 77, and more in a variety of interviews, a docu-series and Harry’s 2023 memoir, Spare. But Charles’ ongoing cancer battle has put things in perspective for Harry and Meghan.
Shares the insider, “It’s obvious Harry misses his family back home, and it says a lot that Meghan has softened toward them.”
They want their kids to spend time with the king before it’s too late, says the insider, and they would love Lilibet and Archie to get to know their cousins.
“Kate is up for a reunion, but William is the holdout,” says the insider. “He has trust issues with Harry and he still questions his motives. Camilla also isn’t convinced.”
Still, if Harry and Meghan keep up their efforts, the ice will thaw, predicts the insider: “The big question is, will it happen sooner rather than later.”
