Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Set to Become 'Private Royals-Plus' When They Return to the U.K., Claims Source: 'They'll Be Watched Like Hawks'

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry could be heading back to the U.K. with a very different role in mind.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex reportedly want to spend more time in Britain while maintaining their lives as private citizens. According to a Sunday Times source, that could put them in a unique position within the royal family — one that would allow them to attend certain events without officially returning as working royals.

A source suggested that the couple could become what they described as “private royals-plus,” potentially appearing alongside working members of the monarchy at select family events.

“It needs all sides to agree a template for ‘private royals plus.’ It needs them to be much more ‘private’ than ‘working,’ and be seen at family occasions, like Christmas at Sandringham,” the source said. “That requires [Prince] William and Catherine to say ‘yes please’ and how on earth does that happen? Just saying it out loud sounds implausible.”

There could also be strict boundaries surrounding the couple's business activities while they are in Britain.

“They’ll also be watched like hawks for anything that looks like they’re trying to monetize their brand,” the source shared. “The feeling has always been they can do that in [their home in] Montecito, but not here.”

The source added that bringing their California business model to the U.K. could create even more tension.

“If they come over and do the Montecito playbook — doing deals and making money — in the Cotswolds … that’s not going to go down well,” they continued.

Harry and Meghan's return reportedly isn't expected to be a permanent move.

“It’ll be an extended period of time — it could be six months, it could be a year, it could be more — I don’t think even they know yet,” one source said, adding, “they might suddenly go: ‘Why don’t we try Canada for a while? Why don’t we try Australia?’ It’s one of the great things about being private individuals.”

The arrangement could give Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet more opportunities to spend time with their grandfather, King Charles, while still allowing their parents to maintain their independence.

As OK! previously reported, sources have suggested that Harry and Meghan could have additional reasons for spending more time in Britain after stepping down from their royal duties in 2020.

While the California-based couple reportedly wants their children to have a closer relationship with their grandfather, one source claimed their connection to the monarchy remains an important part of their public profile.

“Their entire worth, the entire reason they were even entertained, is because of his title (prince) and their proximity to royalty,” one source told NewsNation. “And they blew it. Big time.”

Charles was allegedly “made aware” of the couple's plans on Sunday, August 16. However, their potential return could be complicated by Harry's strained relationship with his older brother, Prince William.

Royal reporter Tom Sykes believes the situation could create a major challenge for the future king.

“It’s a huge slap in the face for William, and it does also create serious risks for the monarchy,” Sykes said of the future king.