Meghan Markle’s UK return branded ‘a dangerous act of desperation’ | Royal | News
Meghan Markle’s anticipated return to the UK with Prince Harry and their children has sparked new controversy, with royal commentators questioning the timing and reasons behind the visit.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are understood to be planning a trip from California for the Invictus Games event, which is a year away from the next competition, a major milestone for the sports tournament founded by Harry.
But some royal watchers have suggested the visit could reignite tensions within the Royal Family rather than helping heal old divisions.
Publicist Mark Dolan told The Sun the trip appeared unnecessary given the nature of the incident.
He said: “So, this is something Harry could hop on a Zoom and say: okay guys, one year left. Good luck, let’s go. Why are they all coming for something that isn’t a burger?”
“I believe this was an act of desperation. Meghan is impervious to shame.”
Dolan claimed the Sussexes may be trying to strengthen their royal connections amid difficulties they face with some of their business ventures.
He suggested the couple still enjoyed royal status and needed a relationship with the monarchy more than ever.
Continuing his criticism, he said: “They need the optics, they need the titles, they need the status, they need the high position that it gives them because right now we’ve seen Meghan’s popularity in the United States plummet.
“So it’s a great moment for them and a terrible blow for Team Wales.
“Prince William will be furious.”
Why is Sussex’s return to England drawing attention?
The reported visit will be significant because Meghan has not traveled to the UK for several years, while Archie and Lilibet have had the opportunity to spend limited time in the UK since the family’s move to California.
According to News.com.au royal correspondent Bronte Coy, a source close to Harry said the Duke feels “great sadness” over his inability to bring his wife and children safely to the UK in recent years.
The source claimed that Harry has long wanted his children to spend more time in the country where they grew up and meet relatives they rarely see.
Could the trip improve royal relations?
Not everyone believes the visit will help mend fractured family relationships, the Sun reported.
Tom Sykes, European editor-in-chief of The Daily Beast, dismissed suggestions that the trip could lead to reconciliation between the Sussexes and the Prince and Princess of Wales.
He called the allegations surrounding Harry’s sadness over the situation “incredibly self-serving.”
Sykes added: “Friends of William and Catherine have told me openly that they hate them. They completely blame Meghan for what happened.”
Dolan also warned that the visit could create new challenges for the Royal Family and could provide material for future projects involving the Sussexes.
He said: “This is an existential moment, because with Harry and Meghan returning to the royal family, as you say, with the king’s subtle approval, we have more material for The Second Reserve.
“More material for the second season of the Harry and Meghan documentary on Netflix. More material for Meghan’s upcoming memoir.
“They’re feeding the beast.”
Will security concerns affect the visit?
Questions remain about whether the Sussexes will travel to England as planned following Prince Harry’s long-running legal battle over security arrangements.
In 2025, Harry lost his fight against taxpayer-funded changes to his level of protection while visiting the UK after stepping back from royal duties.
Despite these concerns, a royal source told The Sun that arrangements had been made to allow the family to visit safely.
Harry has returned to the UK multiple times since 2020, including for family events and court hearings, but Meghan and the children have largely remained in California.
If the trip goes ahead, it will be Meghan’s first visit to the UK in almost four years.
