Since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped away from royal duties in 2020 and relocated to the U.S., there’s been constant speculation about whether they might ever return to the U.K. as working members of the royal family.
Despite their departure, Harry has made it clear in various interviews, documentaries, and even in his memoir Spare, that leaving the monarchy entirely wasn’t part of his original plan.
From the start, Harry hoped for a compromise. He envisioned a role where he and Meghan could split their time between the U.K. and North America, still serving the crown part-time while gaining financial independence.
However, this vision was not realized. During the now-famous “Sandringham Summit” in 2020—a meeting with Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles (then Prince Charles), and Prince William—Harry’s “half in, half out” proposal was rejected. He was left with an all-or-nothing choice, and ultimately, he and Meghan chose to step away entirely.
Will Prince Harry return to the Royal Family?
In multiple interviews, Harry has shared that his decision was deeply influenced by the toxic atmosphere of the British tabloid media, as well as strained relationships within the royal household.
Harry has consistently voiced concerns about the mental health and safety of his wife and children, citing these as key reasons for their departure.
When asked if he would ever consider returning to his royal duties, Harry has given mixed responses.
In a candid interview with Anderson Cooper on 60 Minutes, Harry was straightforward: “No. I can’t see that happening.” He made it clear that, at this point, a return to full-time royal life isn’t on his radar.
However, in a separate interview for British television with ITV’s Tom Bradby, Harry expressed a more nuanced view. While discussing his book, Bradby asked if Harry still believed in the monarchy. His response was simple: “Yes, I talk about it in the book.”
When pushed on whether he saw himself playing a role in its future, Harry admitted, “I don’t know,” adding that it wasn’t just about “hoping” for something.
One of Harry’s key points throughout these discussions has been that his initial goal was to continue serving the monarchy—just not while living in the U.K. all the time.
“We always wanted to continue to serve,” Harry explained. “We just didn’t want to be based and living in the U.K. all the time.”
While Harry has built a new life with his family in the U.S., he left the door open for some form of collaboration in the future.
“If my father asks us for support across the Commonwealth, then that is certainly an open discussion,” he said. But for now, Harry emphasized that his life is centered in America, where he feels that his family is safer and happier.
As he reflected, “It’s not the way I wanted it to happen, but I’ve now created a life for my family where I feel safer. So, who knows what’s going to happen in the future?”