Prince William reportedly had doubts from the outset that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s return to the UK would unfold quietly or without fresh tensions inside the royal family.
A source told Us that while some hoped the Duke and Duchess of Sussex might make their arrival “in silent dignity” and avoid controversy, William did not share King Charles’ more hopeful outlook. “William was much less optimistic than the king and was proven right because right now he’s having an ‘I told you so’ moment,” the insider said.
The source claimed that William, 44, remains out of contact with Harry, 41, and has yet to move past the strain the Sussexes allegedly brought during a particularly difficult period for the Prince and Princess of Wales. Kate Middleton publicly revealed her cancer diagnosis in 2024.
“[Kate] finally reached remission, only for them to come back to the UK and create more stress for everyone,” the insider said.
Still, the source suggested that William and Kate are not expected to publicly react. “William and Kate don’t have to do anything and say anything,” the insider added. “History has proven time and again Meghan and Harry will dig their own grave. And this takes them further away from reconciliation.”
Harry and Meghan stepped back from senior royal duties in 2020, relocating to Montecito, California, where they live with their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5.
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But sources previously told Page Six that the couple made the unexpected choice to move back to the UK last month, reportedly motivated by a wish to spend more time near King Charles as he continues cancer treatment and to give Archie and Lilibet stronger connections with their relatives.
King Charles, 77, addressed the Sussexes’ decision last week through a letter sent on his behalf by the royal household’s lord chamberlain. According to the BBC, the message confirmed that Harry and Meghan will not resume official royal engagements or return as working members of the monarchy while living in England.
The letter also stated that the couple cannot use the titles His and Her Royal Highness. A senior palace official told the BBC that the Sussexes are regarded as “private citizens with commercial and charitable interests.”
It further dismissed any possibility of a “half-in and half-out” arrangement, preventing Harry and Meghan from combining official royal roles with their independent business ventures.
The note was allegedly sent to the media without consulting the couple.
Harry and Markle, 45, have not yet publicly responded to Charles’ letter, but sources claim the Sussexes are “frustrated” with how the monarch worded the “deliberate” note.