Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s return to the U.K. is marked by complexity, starting with a disagreement over their status as “private citizens” versus “public figures.” Having lived in California for six years, they moved back to Britain in August, where tensions surfaced with Buckingham Palace. King Charles III’s communication to government and military officials described them as “private citizens,” leading the couple’s team to contest the phrasing.
The royal calendar presents potential opportunities for Harry and Meghan to attend events, contingent on invitations. Whether they are invited, expect invitations, or are indifferent remains uncertain. The palace faces the challenge of handling this situation carefully, given its potential volatility.
Why It Matters
King Charles III and Buckingham Palace confront decisions about reintegrating Harry and Meghan into royal activities, considering Harry’s revealing memoir and past interviews. The ongoing rift with Prince William, the heir to the throne, adds complexity. Harry has shared that he is not in contact with William, with their last joint appearance at Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in September 2022. Charles met Harry in July, posing a choice which son to risk displeasing.
Remembrance
Remembrance presents a sensitive moment in Britain’s calendar for the royals to honor the nation’s war dead. Events at Westminster Abbey and the Royal Albert Hall precede Remembrance Sunday at The Cenotaph, typically reserved for working royals and attended by government officials. Harry, a war veteran with service in Afghanistan, has expressed his emotional connection to his military experience, marked by loss and friendship. His request for a wreath at The Cenotaph was blocked in 2020.
Princess Kate’s Carols
The Princess of Wales hosts a carol service in December at Westminster Abbey, inviting royal family members, though King Charles III’s attendance varies. Kate may not invite Harry, as he has mentioned being out of communication with William. Notably, the couple’s Netflix biopic release coincided with the event in 2022.
The Pre-Christmas Lunch
The royals convene for a pre-Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace, including members beyond working royals. Past gatherings offered less prominent royals a chance to connect with senior family members. Princess Michael of Kent notably apologized for wearing a “racist brooch” to this lunch when meeting Meghan. Harry and Meghan might expect an invitation, though they could decline due to plans in California.
Christmas Day at Sandringham
Attendance at Sandringham’s Christmas festivities is open to non-working royals and those not married into the family. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson attended in 2023 amid controversy, while their daughters never served as working royals. The precedent suggests Harry and Meghan may find avoiding an invitation challenging.
The Invictus Games Birmingham
The Invictus Games, Harry’s initiative for the military, heads to Birmingham in July, raising the question of King Charles’s attendance at its opening ceremony. Charles and William attended in 2014, yet their relations with Harry have shifted. Uganda’s temporary withdrawal from the games was reversed following a clarification from Charles’s aide about Harry’s non-working royal status.
Princess Diana 30th Anniversary
Princess Diana’s 30th death anniversary in August 2027 opens doors for Harry’s potential projects. His “first look” deal with Netflix lends itself to creating a TV show, leading to possible scrutiny from William, who signaled closure on discussing their mother’s death after 2017 anniversary projects. Commercializing Diana’s memory could provoke controversy and strain Harry’s relations with Charles.
In all scenarios, varying paths exist for both parties, some avoiding conflict, while others demanding careful navigation.