Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s surprising return to the U.K. could open the door to a new chapter with Prince William, though the Prince and Princess of Wales reportedly aren’t rushing the process.
Harry, 41, and Meghan Markle, 45, returned to Britain with their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, on Aug. 26 after spending more than six years living in California. The family is expected to remain in the U.K. for an extended period, with Archie and Lilibet beginning school in Britain this month.
Inside Prince William & Kate Middleton’s Cautious Approach to Prince Harry & Meghan Markle’s Return
While the move has put Harry geographically closer to his family, there has not yet been any public indication that a reunion with William and Kate Middleton has taken place.
Still, sources close to the royal family have suggested Harry’s return could provide an opportunity for the brothers to eventually begin repairing their strained relationship.
One source previously described the move as the “best opportunity” for Harry to make progress with William after years of distance between them.
William and Kate are reportedly choosing to give the situation time rather than immediately responding to Harry and Meghan’s return.
A source close to the Prince and Princess of Wales told People the couple is resisting any “knee-jerk reaction” to the Sussexes’ move.
“They are watching this space. It’s private — they don’t feel the need to say anything or demonstrate anything outwardly.”
Prince Harry Hopeful to Reconcile with the Royal Family Amid U.K. Return
Harry has previously made it clear that he hopes to repair his relationships with members of the royal family.
“I would love reconciliation with my family. There’s no point in continuing to fight anymore,” Harry told the BBC in May 2025.
However, a source indicated that rebuilding the relationship would likely require patience after years of tension.
Any reconciliation “will be a slow build,” the source told People.
Harry and Meghan have largely kept a low profile with Archie and Lilibet since arriving in Britain, and no public reunion with William and Kate has been reported.
Another source who knows both brothers said the relationship had not improved as much as some may have hoped.
“I thought it would have perhaps eased a little bit by now, to be honest. But there has been no movement, especially on William’s side. There is no contact.”
The Royal Family’s Path to Reconciliation With Prince Harry & Meghan Markle
While the status of the brothers’ relationship remains unclear, there have already been signs of progress elsewhere in the family.
Harry, Meghan and their children met with King Charles and Queen Camilla at Highgrove House in July. The gathering marked the first time in four years that Charles had seen Meghan, Archie and Lilibet.
A source said at the time that the King hoped renewed contact could eventually extend to his sons.
Charles “will want to see his sons together over time. This is the best opportunity we have seen in recent years,” the source said.
Whether Harry’s return will ultimately lead to a similar breakthrough with William remains to be seen, but his move back to Britain puts the brothers in the same country after years spent living thousands of miles apart.
The timing of Harry’s return also comes close to a poignant date for both brothers. Aug. 31 marked 29 years since the death of their mother, Princess Diana, who died in 1997.
Royal experts have long reflected on the relationship William and Harry shared earlier in their lives and the role Diana hoped Harry would have alongside his older brother.
“We all remember the days when Harry and William were joshing with one another, and it all seemed set for their relationship and the future — that Harry, as Diana always used to say, would be William’s wingman,” Diana biographer Andrew Morton previously said. “It’s a great loss for the monarchy.”
