Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly planning a return to the United Kingdom just before Christmas, marking their first joint visit in more than two years.
According to royal sources, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are eager to reconnect with family members and improve relations with both the Royal Family and the British public ahead of the festive season.
Royal expert Richard Eden revealed details of the couple’s plans in an interview with the Daily Mail. “I can disclose that the next planned move in the plot – or ‘process’ as their pals prefer to put it, suggesting a natural progression – is the couple’s first joint visit to Britain since they attended a charity engagement in September 2022, then stayed on for Queen Elizabeth’s funeral,” he said.
Eden added, “It remains to be seen whether ‘bearing humble pie’ – and eating it, presumably – is sufficient to placate the Royal Family or the British people.” The visit, if confirmed, would be a significant step for the Sussexes, who have largely remained in California since stepping down from royal duties in 2020.
Their departure, often referred to as “Megxit,” marked a major rift within the monarchy. Since then, relations between Harry, Meghan, and the rest of the Royal Family have been strained, particularly following the release of their 2021 television interview and Harry’s memoir Spare, which included personal criticisms of royal life and family members.
Prince Harry and Meghan now reside in Montecito, California, with their two children, Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3. Despite building a new life in the United States, the couple has expressed occasional interest in maintaining a connection with Britain, especially regarding their charitable work.
Sources close to the pair say the planned Christmas trip could be an attempt to start a “healing process” with the family and the British public. Royal watchers note that such a move might also help re-establish the couple’s image in the U.K., where public opinion remains divided.
Their last joint appearance in Britain was during Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in September 2022. Since then, Harry has returned briefly for events such as the coronation of King Charles III, but Meghan has stayed away, citing privacy and security concerns.
Whether this upcoming visit will mark the beginning of reconciliation or reopen old wounds remains to be seen, but it suggests that the Sussexes are ready to take cautious steps toward rebuilding bridges before the holidays.