ROYAL FAMILY NEWSMeghan Markle and Prince Harry’s U.K. Return Is a 'Nightmare for the Palace' Because 'They Can't Be Controlled,' Royal Expert Says
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry returned to the U.K. in August.
Sept. 1 2026, Published 11:15 a.m. ET
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry made the surprise move back to the United Kingdom last month alongside their kids, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, to start a new chapter in their lives.
However, according to several royal experts, Buckingham Palace is reportedly on edge as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex could take up their business and media endeavors while they set up their new home in England.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry moved to California in 2020.
"The nightmare for the Palace is that they can’t be controlled," royal commentator recently Richard Fitzwilliams told Fox News.
"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," he added.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Are Not Expected to Return to Their Royal Duties
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are set to live outside of London during their stay in the U.K.
The Suits star, 45, and the Invictus Games founder, 41, are set to establish a private, non-royal home base outside of London and are not anticipated to return to their royal duties.
The couple took a step back as senior members of The Firm in January 2020 and moved to Montecito, Calif., where they developed several businesses, such as Meghan's As Ever lifestyle brand and their $100 million multi-year production deal with Netflix.
- Prince William and Kate Middleton Blindsided by Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's U.K. Return, Claims Insider: 'They Are Still Loose Cannons'
- 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'
- Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s U.K. Return Raises a Brand Question, According to an Expert
Want OK! each day? Sign up here!
Buckingham Palace Will Have 'Very Little Control' Over the Sussexes' Public Activities
King Charles reportedly advocated for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's return.
Royal expert Kinsey Schofield also noted to Fox News that the Palace will have "very little control" over the pair's public engagements as they no longer represent King Charles as working royals.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," Schofield stated.
"The palace can’t control what they do, but it can control access to the institution. It can decide how much proximity they have to working royals, royal residences, and official events," the "Kinsey Schofield Unfiltered" host said. "That is where the palace still has considerable leverage."
King Charles Allegedly Pushed for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry to Come Back to the U.K.
Since moving to the U.S., the Sussexes tried their hand at several business ventures.
"Meghan may be returning without palace restrictions, but she is also returning without palace protection. You don’t get one without losing the other," Schofield explained.
Despite the Sussexes returning to the U.K. by their own volition, Charles, 77, reportedly pushed for their comeback.
The actress and the army veteran were "informally encouraged by King Charles to return to the U.K. because the king believes that the royal family is stronger united," a source told The Daily Beast last month.
"The king’s faith has played a part, but ultimately this is a strategic decision for the good of the family," the insider continued, adding of the family feud: "The stand-off needed to be resolved."
