Meghan Markle could face a mixed reception if she returns to the UK, as a royal expert warns that parts of the public still blame her for the fallout following her and Prince Harry’s exit from royal duties.
The Sussexes are expected next month in Birmingham for a pre-2027 Invictus Games event with their children, though questions remain over royal meetings.
The planned visit has reignited debate among commentators, with some suggesting it reflects a push by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to maintain ties with the monarchy.
Meghan Markle’s UK Visit Raises Questions Over Security, Royal Reunion, And Public Mood
Meghan might face some challenges when she arrives in the UK next month, with one royal commentator warning that some members of the public have not forgiven her for the events that followed her and Harry’s departure from royal life.
It’s been confirmed that the Duchess of Sussex will accompany Harry to Birmingham in July for the “One Year to Go” celebrations ahead of the 2027 Invictus Games.
Their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are also expected to join the visit, marking a rare family trip to Britain.
Questions remain over whether King Charles will meet his youngest grandchildren during the visit. In the past, Harry has said he wanted to bring his children to the UK but felt unable to do so because of concerns surrounding security arrangements.
Recent reports, however, suggest he has received assurances that suitable protection will be provided during the trip.
Royal Expert Warns Sussexes’ UK Visit Could Spark Mixed Public Reaction: ‘Many Will Still Not Forgive Her’
Despite that, royal commentator Phil Dampier believes the Sussexes may still encounter resistance from sections of the British public.
According to The Express, he argued that while many people in the UK are fair-minded, others continue to blame Meghan for Harry’s split from royal duties and the tensions that followed.
“They are, but many will still not forgive her for her role in taking Harry away and disrespecting the royals,” the expert said.
Dampier suggested the couple is taking a significant gamble by returning, warning that public reactions could be unpredictable and that some spectators may not welcome them warmly.
He noted, however, that the pair “are on safe ground at the Invictus Games event as the servicemen and their families” hold them in high regard because of their longstanding involvement with the organization.
Dampier further shared that the upcoming visit could serve as an important test of public sentiment before the Invictus Games themselves take place in Birmingham in July 2027.
A positive reception, particularly if accompanied by a public meeting with King Charles and Queen Camilla, could encourage more visits in the future.
He added: “I don’t think anyone really knows how this is going to play out long term, which makes it so fascinating, but it also has the potential to be a disaster for the royals.”
Royal Expert Questions Sussexes’ UK Trip, Suggests Move Is Driven By Royal Ties
The debate intensified after television presenter Mark Dolan questioned the necessity of the Sussexes traveling from Montecito for the countdown event.
Speaking on Royal Exclusive, television presenter Mark Dolan questioned why the couple would make the trip in person for what he viewed as a relatively minor event, suggesting the move may be about more than simply supporting the Invictus Games and more about being “back in the Royal fold.”
He said, “I mean, it’s something Harry could have jumped on a Zoom and said, okay, folks, a year to go. Good luck, let’s go for it. Why are they all coming for what is a nothing burger?”
Dolan added, “I believe it’s an act of desperation. Meghan is impervious to shame.”
The expert further claimed that the Sussexes still benefit enormously from their royal titles and public connection to the institution, arguing that those links remain central to their profile and influence.
The Sussexes’ Return Shows That They ‘Need The Optics’ Amid Strained Family Ties
Dolan argued that the Sussexes’ planned return is driven, at least in part, by the value that their royal connections continue to hold.
He suggested that recent challenges facing the couple’s commercial ventures have made the prestige and visibility associated with the monarchy increasingly important.
“They need the optics, they need the titles, they need the status, they need the elevated position it gives them because at the moment, we’ve seen that Meghan’s popularity is dropping in the United States,” Dolan said.
He also predicted that Prince William would be “furious” with any development that appeared to bring Harry and Meghan closer to the Royal Family.
Prince Harry And Meghan’s UK Trip Might Not Lead To A Family Reconciliation, Experts Say
During the discussion, host Bronte Coy asked whether the visit could create an opportunity for reconciliation, including the possibility of the Sussex and Wales children spending time together.
However, Daily Beast European editor-at-large Tom Sykes dismissed the idea, arguing that tensions between the two sides remain far from resolved.
He described suggestions that the couple’s estrangement is simply a source of sadness as misleading and accused them of overlooking the events that led to the family rift.
“I’ve been told very frankly, by friends of William and Catherine, that they absolutely loathe them. They completely blame Meghan for what has happened,” Sykes added.
While the Prince and Princess of Wales might not be interested in a reunion with Harry and Meghan, reports hint that King Charles, out of everyone, might be looking forward to seeing his grandkids again.