Despite resistance, Meghan Markle is living in the UK once again. The former actress and Prince Harry recently relocated with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, for an “extended period.”
The family of four plans to live a private life in a non-royal residence outside of London. However, royal observers told Fox News Digital that Meghan’s career could create issues with the British royal family.
“The nightmare for the Palace is that they can’t be controlled,” royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams said. “Diary clashes will probably mean royal engagements are overshadowed by what the Sussexes choose to do and what they are, or are not, asked to by the Palace.”
YouTuber Kinsey Schofield added that Buckingham Palace will have “very little control” over Harry and Meghan’s professional engagements, as they aren’t working royals: “They are private citizens and no longer working on behalf of the King, so Buckingham Palace isn’t approving Meghan’s interviews, appearances, Instagram posts or commercial projects.”
“But Harry is still the King’s son and Meghan is still the Duchess of Sussex, so there is an inevitable association with the monarchy,” she continued. “That’s the complicated part. They can operate independently while still benefiting from an enormous amount of public interest that exists because of Harry’s DNA.”
When Meghan was a working royal, the palace essentially controlled her life and public image. However, since leaving that role behind in 2020, Meghan has forged her own path. According to People, she’s now returning with her own multifaceted career, her own team, and full control over her life.
“She has been vocal about how she felt about it before, but that doesn’t mean things are going to be exactly the same again,” an ally told the outlet. “It doesn’t mean it can’t be different and can’t change.”
Another insider shared that her support system is “stronger now than it ever was to protect her” and her family.
Nevertheless, Schofield noted that while Buckingham Palace “can’t control” what Harry and Meghan do with their time in the UK, it can “control access to the institution.” She revealed that the palace “can decide how much proximity they have to working royals, royal residences, and official events. That is where the palace still has considerable leverage.”
“Meghan may be returning without palace restrictions, but she is also returning without palace protection,” she explained. “You don’t get one without losing the other.”
Still, restricting Meghan and Harry’s access to royal events could backfire. The couple will likely book their own appearances, which may take attention away from the royal family. Fitzwilliams mentioned that royal diaries are “planned well in advance,” and there’s “likely to be numerous clashes,” which will “fuel fascination with the Sussexes.”
“If Meghan were repeatedly scheduling appearances or announcements to coincide with major royal engagements, people would notice. She might not be breaking a written rule, but there are conventions and courtesies around these things,” Schofield claimed. “If you consistently attempt to overshadow the working Royal Family, eventually the pattern becomes the story.”
On the other hand, some royal enthusiasts believe Meghan won’t be as reckless as people assume. Royal broadcaster Ian Pelham Turner told Fox News Digital, “I feel Meghan will play a very cautious hand at first similar to that devised by Kate and be the very epitome of decorum, style and elegance.”
“The ability Meghan has is real empathy with people, a strong intelligent mind capable of using well rehearsed opinions to drive forward opportunities for many cultures and communities in Britain,” he stated. “I think she will relish the chance to prove her doubters wrong and be an asset in waiting for the Royal family again.”