Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have stirred up controversy with their recent announcement of returning to the UK, drawing criticism from a royal family expert.
The expert cautioned that senior royal members might not be pleased with the timing of the announcement, coinciding with Princess Anne‘s birthday.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex revealed their plans to visit Britain next month during a YouTube news video last Monday.
Their itinerary includes participation in various charitable events, with Meghan set to deliver the keynote address at the One Young World Summit in Manchester on September 5.
The following day, they will attend the Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023 One Year to Go event in Germany before heading back to the UK for the WellChild Awards in London on September 8, where Prince Harry will address the audience.
This upcoming trip marks Harry and Meghan’s first joint visit to the UK since their attendance at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in early June.
Despite the noble intentions behind their return, royal expert Kinsey Schofield expressed concerns that senior royals may not view the announcement favorably.
Schofield suggested that the timing of the announcement on Princess Anne’s birthday could further strain relations within the royal family.
Princess Anne, who turned 72 last Monday, received birthday wishes from Queen Elizabeth II and other members of the royal family on social media.
However, the focus shifted back to Harry and Meghan as they prepare for their imminent visit to the UK.
The couple’s previous visit in June for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations was relatively low-key, with their absence from certain public events noted.
As Harry and Meghan gear up for their return, the timing aligns with the announcement of the new Prime Minister, prompting the Queen to initiate the formation of a new government.
While the monarch is expected to resume her state duties in London, it remains uncertain whether Harry and Meghan will have encounters with other senior royals, particularly Prince William and Kate Middleton.
Despite plans to visit Manchester and London during their stay, speculations arise regarding the extent of Harry and Meghan’s interactions with their royal relatives.
Schofield raised doubts about significant family reunions during the visit, suggesting that only the Queen might make an effort to meet with the Sussexes.
However, she hinted at potential tensions between the couples, casting a shadow over the anticipated visit.
In a recent promotional video lasting 1 minute and 33 seconds, Meghan’s title as Duchess was highlighted, despite her and Prince Harry’s decision to step back from active royal duties.
The mention of her formal title in the context of their upcoming UK visit adds another layer of complexity to the evolving dynamics within the royal family.
As the countdown begins to Harry and Meghan’s return, the spotlight remains on their interactions with the royal establishment and the implications of their presence in the UK once again.