Prince Harry is set to return to the UK, leaving his wife Meghan Markle and their children behind in California.
This solo journey will mark a significant attempt by Harry to mend his fractured relationship with his family, particularly his father, King Charles, and brother William. However, Meghan is adamant she won’t be a part of it.
The trip, expected to last several weeks, will be challenging for the couple, who will be forced to spend an extended period apart.
A source said, “Harry is going to have to return to the UK alone as it makes sense for him to take a longer trip. He’s convinced that if he spends a longer period of time with his family, he’ll have a better chance of reconnecting with them.”
“There’s talk of a month or so apart, which is going to be very difficult for them both as a couple. It might make for a pretty lonely summer. Even if they are still fully committed to their marriage, so much time apart is never easy.”
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Though Harry and Meghan's marriage appears solid, they have been living separate lives for the past two years as they strive to build a family life in Montecito alongside their children, Archie, who is five, and Lilibet, who is three.
Meghan Markle has been focusing on her Hollywood dream.
In March, she announced her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, which will launch officially this summer.
Megan Markle | Shutterstock
She's wrapping up filming for her new Netflix cookery show, but Harry’s world has been torn apart by the recent cancer diagnoses of his father, King Charles, and beloved sister-in-law, Kate Middleton, earlier this year.
Following a poll in May, the Duchess's popularity has plummeted in recent months, with only 25% of UK voters saying they like her.
Her last visit to the UK, following the late Queen's death in September 2022, featured photographs of Kate glaring at Meghan while greeting mourners outside of Windsor Castle hit the headlines.
“Meghan doesn't have it in her to spend time with people she knows there’s tension with. It’s just not going to happen. It will be hard on Meghan but there’s just no way she can face going with him. Harry would love for Meghan and his kids to join him, but he’s very aware of how stressful it is for her and doesn’t want to force her into an uncomfortable position,” they added.
Closer recently reported, “ While Harry remains estranged from his family, especially his brother William, he attended Charles’ Coronation solo last May, he also saw him during a 26-hour flying visit following his cancer news in February.”
The source said that despite Charles's reportedly inability to celebrate with Harry at the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games at St. Paul’s Cathedral in May, Harry is determined to mend the rift with his whole family.
As Harry prepares to return to the UK, he is determined to put the past behind him and rebuild relationships with his family.
However, with Meghan remaining in the US, the trip will undoubtedly test their marriage.