S Poddar
It is also speculated that one of the reasons Harry thinks about going back to the UK is that he struggles with living in his wife’s shadow, Meghan Markle. According to insiders close to the Duke of Sussex, “He has been growing ever more lost since relocating to the United States, a feeling which weighs heavily upon him, like he’s once again becoming “The Spare”.
According to sources, Harry has been reaching out to some of his old staff members seeking advice on how he might be able to make his way back to the UK and, indeed, possibly back into the royal family as he approaches middle age at 39 years young. This development comes amidst a tour Harry and Meghan recently undertook in Colombia, where Meghan is taking center stage, relegating Harry to the backseat.
Around the time of the “quasi-royal” visit to Colombia, Meghan was most definitely front and center. Harry, on the other hand, appeared much more sheepish and reserved, far from the confident and brazen partner that he earlier proved to be. As some insiders have stated, the sad truth is that this couple has become different in how they put themselves out to the public; Meghan enjoys being at the center of attention, while Harry is not too keen about this new development, which is a bit disconcerting to those close to him.
One source close to Harry’s camp said, “[Harry is] increasingly isolated in California, hence the calls to old friends back home. And that Colombia trip really cemented it, seeing Meghan so comfortable center stage and Harry looking sullen and so miserable backstage.”
This growing sense of isolation seems to grow the burning desire in Harry to find a way back into UK royal life. His solo trips back to his home country have become more frequent, as it seems he finds solace in reconnecting with faces and surroundings that are all too familiar. Harry returned to the UK last week to attend the memorial service of his uncle, Lord Fellowes. Although this would be a very short visit, it allowed a glimpse into the continuation of his attachment to the life he once knew.
These visits notwithstanding, it is understood that the road to healing and mending the fractured relationships in the royal family remains long and fraught with challenges. Tension built from the time Harry and Meghan stepped back from their royal duties in 2020 has not easily dissipated, and those close to the situation acknowledge much work remains in healing the deep rifts.
Of course, for Harry, the idea of a return to the UK is not altogether uncomplicated. While some close to him describe a man seriously considering such a move, others are more skeptical and point out the significant hurdles he would have to overcome in working his way back into royal life. The royal family would have to pick up the pieces again of a complex dynamic that has unfolded since Harry and Meghan left, amidst much public and press speculation.
Besides, King Charles has been said to warm up toward peace with Harry, especially after he got advice from religious leaders. However, the way to reconciliation is not so clear yet if Harry would open his arms toward his wish to return home or further resistance.
As Harry moves forward into this period of indecision, his inner circle is divided on what his next steps should be: some for a full return to the UK and royal duties, while others suggest he may find a new role that can accommodate his personal desires along with his responsibilities as a member of the royal family.
Meanwhile, Meghan is seen making the most of her new life in the US and opportunities that come along her way, making her a force into which others may tap. Success and self-assurance, though positive attributes, perhaps have unconsciously underlined-particularly for Harry-how struggles to define himself.
In the end, no one knows what exactly the future truly holds for Harry, but the fact is that he stands at one of life’s crossroads, struggling with his identity, purpose, and belonging. Undoubtedly, it is going to be a journey of self-discovery and hopefully some reconciliation, whatever path he may take at the end-whether it is to go back home to the UK or to chisel out a new function elsewhere.
