It’s been five years since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped down as senior royals, boldly trading the monarchy’s pomp and pageantry for a quieter life in California. While royal watchers have been eagerly awaiting a reunion, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have yet to reconcile with the royal family publicly. However, former royal photographer Ian Pelham Turner believes the Sussexes could make a perfect comeback in the Firm as ‘royal ambassadors,’ boosting the monarchy’s global presence — especially in the US.
After their royal exit, Harry and Markle announced in a joint statement that they intend to become ‘financially independent’ and carve out a new ‘progressive role.’ In a conversation with the Daily Express, Pelham Turner revealed, “They would be far better off with a secure and united royal family, both American and British, which would be the most fabulous combination of the lot.” The former royal photographer detailed what their return as ambassadors would look like. “I wonder whether or not Harry and Meghan, as royals, established royals again, could have a pivotal role in America, that would be really putting out a royal message in America.”
Pelham Turner suggested that if the Sussexes were to resume such part-time duties, they could support the royal family while also pursuing their personal initiatives. He also believes that if Harry and Markle reunited publicly, it would cut down the speculation and scrutiny of the past, allowing the royals to focus on their work. He explained, “In public opinion, across both sides of the Atlantic, there seems to be more energy in the split rather than bringing them back together again.” He continued, “In reality, the biggest mistake that anyone from the British side is trying to do to vilify Harry and Meghan, the big mistake is that all it does in Britain is remind people of Harry and Meghan.”
With respect to a royal reconciliation, the former royal photographer believed Prince William would be the ‘hardest nut to crack,’ as he is putting himself before the monarchy. Indeed, the Prince of Wales was reported to be not very pleased with Harry’s triumphant trip to the UK, where he cemented himself as the ‘People’s Prince.’ An insider told the Daily Mail, “William is back at the point where if you mention Prince Harry in his presence, he would throw you out of the room. He’s doubling down.” Another insider spilled that William is reportedly ‘infuriated’ that Harry has “pulled off a 12-month ‘master plan’ to re-ingratiate himself” with the family and the public.
After Harry’s recent meeting with King Charles, the outlook for the Duke and Duchess’s potential return to the royal fold seems positive. On September 10, the Duke was seen arriving by car at Clarence House at 5:20 p.m. to meet the King for private tea, leaving 55 minutes later. The estranged father and son had met after 19 long months, their last meeting taking place in February 2024 following the monarch’s cancer diagnosis.
