Reported plans to enroll the couple’s children Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, in a British school suggest the move could amount to considerably more than occasional visits – but King Charles, 77, is said to remain adamant that it would not restore the Sussexes’ status as working royals.
A palace source familiar with the situation claimed to Radar: “Harry’s desire to spend substantially more time in Britain represents an important personal change, but it would be a mistake to interpret that as evidence that the doors of the royal establishment are suddenly opening to him again. He is very far from being welcomed back into the bosom of The Firm.
“There remains a considerable gulf between Harry rebuilding a private life in the UK and being welcomed back into the inner circle of the Royal Family. The wounds created by everything that has happened over the past several years have not simply disappeared, and there is still a great deal of mistrust surrounding his relationship with the institution.
“What Harry appears to want is the freedom to make Britain a genuine second home for his family, allowing his children to understand their heritage and giving him greater opportunities to maintain his British relationships and charitable work”
The insider noted, “But none of that amounts to a return to royal duty. There have been no meaningful discussions about Harry and Meghan resuming official roles, representing the King or becoming working royals again. As things currently stand, they remain private individuals outside the working monarchy.
“So while Harry may be moving geographically closer to the Royal Family, institutionally he remains a very long way from being back inside The Firm. Those are two entirely separate issues, and nobody at the palace is treating this proposed comeback as a pathway to restoring the position he and Meghan once occupied.”
Charles was reportedly informed of Harry’s UK plan last weekend, rather than during his reunion with the Sussexes at Highgrove last month, and is said to be “pleased” at the prospect of seeing more of his younger son and grandchildren.