Prince William reportedly never believed Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s return to the United Kingdom would bring lasting peace to the royal family. While King Charles reportedly approached the move with cautious optimism, William allegedly feared his brother’s return would reopen old wounds and spark another wave of tension.
Now, following a formal palace letter reaffirming the Sussexes’ status as non-working royals, a source claims the Prince of Wales feels his concerns have been validated. “There was cautious optimism that perhaps they would arrive in silent dignity and not stir up drama, but William was much less optimistic than the king and was proven right because right now he’s having an ‘I told you so’ moment,” an insider told Us Weekly.
The brothers’ relationship has remained strained since Harry and Meghan stepped away from their positions as senior working members of the royal family in 2020. According to the insider, William has not spoken to Harry since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex returned to the United Kingdom.
“William has not spoken to Harry,” the source said. “William also hasn’t gotten over all the stress that Harry and Meghan caused leading up to Kate’s cancer diagnosis. She finally reached remission, only for them to come back to the U.K. and create more stress for everyone.”
Kate Middleton publicly revealed in March 2024 that she was undergoing treatment for cancer. She completed chemotherapy later that year and announced in January 2025 that she was in remission.
The Us Weekly source claimed William remains particularly protective of his wife after everything she endured during her treatment and recovery. However, the insider suggested that William and Kate do not plan to publicly involve themselves in the latest dispute surrounding the Sussexes.
“William and Kate don’t have to do anything and say anything,” the source shared. “History has proven time and again Meghan and Harry will dig their own grave. And this takes them further away from reconciliation.”
Harry And Meghan Returned To The United Kingdom
Harry and Meghan moved to California after stepping back from royal duties. They settled in Montecito, where they raised their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5. The couple reportedly decided to return to the United Kingdom after six years in the United States. Sources previously told Page Six that the move was motivated partly by Harry’s desire to be closer to King Charles, who has been receiving treatment for cancer.
Harry and Meghan also reportedly wanted Archie and Lilibet to develop stronger relationships with their relatives in Britain. Their children reportedly began a new school year after the family’s move. However, their return immediately raised questions about whether they might resume official duties or pursue a version of the “half-in, half-out” arrangement they originally sought in 2020.
A new letter sent on behalf of the king made the palace’s position clear.
King Charles Reaffirmed The Sussexes’ Status
The letter, written by Lord Chamberlain Richard Benyon on King Charles’ behalf, confirmed that Harry and Meghan remain non-working members of the royal family. “It is well known that in January 2020 the Duke and Duchess stepped down from undertaking representative duties on behalf of The Sovereign, and are no longer working Members of The Royal Family,” the letter stated.
It added, “This position, distinct from the State and Royal duties undertaken by the working Royal Family, and with the personal latitude it brings the couple in respect of financial independence and protection of their privacy as they would wish, will continue to be fully respected.”
The letter also stated that Harry and Meghan’s “charitable work” is “a personal matter for them both and undertaken in their private capacity.” “In short, their position is akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests,” it concluded.
The Associated Press reported that the communication was sent to senior government and military officials to eliminate uncertainty about the Sussexes’ standing following their return. The clarification means Harry and Meghan can continue pursuing their independent charitable and commercial projects, but those activities will not be presented as official royal work.
The Sussexes Were Reportedly Surprised By The Letter
Harry and Meghan have not issued a lengthy public response to the palace’s clarification. However, a representative for the couple said they were “a little surprised” they had not been informed about the letter “in advance.”
The Guardian reported that the Sussexes’ team received slightly more than an hour’s notice before the letter was released publicly. Sources have since claimed Harry and Meghan were frustrated by the phrase “private citizens,” reportedly believing “public figures” would more accurately describe their position.
Another insider maintained that the letter was intended only to prevent confusion about their relationship with the monarchy. “Charles wrote a letter to clarify they are not working royals and they are considered private citizens so there is no confusion,” the source explained. “The king just wanted the public and press not to be confused. They can’t be one foot in and one foot out.”
The letter does not prevent Harry and Meghan from living in the United Kingdom, attending family gatherings or conducting their own work. It draws a firm boundary between their private projects and the responsibilities carried out on behalf of the monarch.
Reconciliation Reportedly Appears Further Away
Harry has previously expressed hope that he could repair his relationship with his family, but the latest claims suggest reconciliation with William remains difficult. The brothers’ conflict intensified following Harry and Meghan’s interviews about royal life, their Netflix docuseries and the publication of Harry’s memoir, “Spare.”
William has not publicly addressed the new claims about his reaction to the Sussexes’ return.
