JUST IN: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle ‘set to leave UK’ after Sussexes’ dealt humiliating blow
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may not remain in Britain for long despite only recently returning to the UK, according to a veteran royal commentator who believes the couple could be back in California by Christmas.
After years of living in Montecito, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex returned to Britain with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. But barely two weeks into their stay, questions are already being raised over whether the move will prove permanent.
Royal journalist Dickie Arbiter discussed the couple’s future during an appearance on TalkTV with Jeremy Kyle on Wednesday, suggesting their UK chapter could be shorter than many expected.
The discussion came after King Charles formally reiterated Harry and Meghan’s position as non working royals, making clear that they will continue to be treated in a capacity similar to private citizens.
Jeremy Kyle asked whether the clarification could influence how long the Sussexes remain in Britain.
“Do you think this will mean they won’t last long in the UK?” he asked. “It will be temporary. How long do you think they will be here?”
Arbiter replied that he was unconvinced the move was permanent.
“I’m not sure they are here long-term,” he said. “I firmly believe that they will go back to Montecito for Christmas because that’s where her mother is.”
He also questioned the intense focus on Harry rebuilding his relationship with Charles, adding: “Everybody talks about reconciliation with the King but what about reconciliation with Thomas Markle.”
King Charles Makes Their Status Clear
The speculation follows a formal letter commissioned by Charles and sent by Lord Chamberlain Lord Benyon to senior figures in government and the military.
The document reiterated that Harry and Meghan remain outside the group of working members of the Royal Family.
It stated that their position, separate from the official duties undertaken by working royals, would continue to be respected along with the financial independence and privacy that arrangement allows them.
“Their styles as His and Her Royal Highness remain in abeyance and are not used,” the letter said.
It also made clear that the couple’s charitable activities are personal matters conducted in a private capacity.
“In short, their position is akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests,” the guidance stated.
The wording reportedly caught the Sussexes by surprise.
The guidance was released to the media at 3:06pm on Monday, while Harry and Meghan’s team is understood to have received it at 1:59pm, around an hour earlier.
Reports suggested the couple felt there was insufficient time to raise or clarify points before the document became public.
The clarification also reinforced that Harry and Meghan cannot use their HRH styles, continuing the arrangement in place since they stepped away from official royal duties.
A New UK Life Still Taking Shape
Despite the renewed uncertainty, the Sussexes appear to be putting down at least some roots in Britain.
Their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are expected to begin attending school near the family’s reported countryside base.
That would represent a significant shift for the children after years of family life in California.
Harry and Meghan have so far maintained a relatively low profile since returning, even as their presence has generated constant discussion about their relationship with the monarchy and what role, if any, they will have around royal life.
Charles’s letter has now removed much of the ambiguity surrounding their official status.
They remain members of the Royal Family personally, but they are not working royals, their HRH styles remain unused and their charitable and commercial work is undertaken privately.
Whether that arrangement gives Harry and Meghan the stability they were looking for in Britain remains unclear.
If Arbiter’s prediction proves correct, their return could turn out to be considerably shorter than expected, with Montecito once again becoming home before the end of the year.
