Prince Harry's 'Half-In, Half-Out' Royal Proposal Could Still Happen One Day, Author Claims

Prince Harry's "half-in, half-out" royal proposal could become a model for future royals, according to author Simon Vigar.

"Harry did think that there was a hybrid version that they could do," Vigar told Fox News Digital.

"And I think in years to come, there will be a hybrid version. I think he's right. There has to be a hybrid version of this where people don't get accused of cashing in but can support their cousins or their brother or whatever," he added.

The author of The Four Wives of Windsor explained that Harry and Meghan Markle had hoped to balance royal responsibilities with their personal and professional lives after stepping back from their roles in 2020.

The idea was discussed during the Sandringham Summit at Queen Elizabeth II's Norfolk estate in January 2020, where senior royals decided Harry and Meghan's future roles after they stepped back from royal duties.

Per People, the late Queen ultimately decided that a "half-in, half-out" arrangement would not be possible. The Sussexes could not remain working members of the monarchy while also pursuing independent commercial opportunities.

Harry and Meghan later moved to California and continued developing projects outside the royal institution. In their Netflix docuseries, Harry & Meghan, Harry shared his perspective.

"In fact, it was my decision," he said.

"She never asked to leave. I was the one that had to see it for myself. But it's misogyny at its best," he added.

Harry also shared more details about the Sandringham meeting in his memoir Spare. In the Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan, he described the tense conversation.

"It was terrifying to have my brother scream and shout at me, and my father say things that just simply weren't true, and my grandmother quietly sit there and sort of take it all in," he said.

Royal broadcaster Ian Pelham Turner believed the palace should have considered the Sussexes’ proposed arrangement. He admitted that "the half-in, half-out approach advocated by Harry and Meghan is the modern-day method of how royal families should operate."

Turner continued, "The late Queen was extremely badly advised not to accept the formula laid out by Harry as he attempted to protect Meghan from the ravages of sustained attacks."

While some believed Harry’s idea reflected changing expectations around modern royalty, other experts said a return to official royal duties remained unlikely.

Royal commentator Kinsey Schofield told Fox News Digital that Harry could continue rebuilding his personal relationship with his family, but she believed that would be different from returning as a working royal.

"There's always room for Harry to support his family privately as a son and brother," she said.

"That's very different from supporting the monarchy publicly as a working royal. The monarchy has successfully adapted to a smaller working team," Schofield added.

Royal expert Hilary Fordwich also believed Harry’s involvement with the royal family would likely remain limited. She said Harry could continue supporting charitable work but did not expect a formal hybrid role to return.

Since stepping away from royal duties, Harry has taken steps toward repairing his relationship with King Charles. Per AP News, Harry met with his father at Highgrove House on July 10, marking one of their first private meetings in years.

Harry had continued a desire for reconciliation, especially as the king faced health challenges. However, questions remained about what role, if any, he could have within the monarchy in the future.