William and Kate take a cautious approach as Harry and Meghan return to the UK

The Sussexes plan a “prolonged stay” in Britain, but sources say any reconciliation with the Prince and Princess of Wales will be slow and uncertain

Prince William and Princess Kate are quietly managing the return of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to the United Kingdom, where the couple plans to remain for a “prolonged period” after more than six years in California. Their children, Archie and Lilibet, will begin school in Britain this month. The family arrived last week, though details about their residence and the children’s school remain undisclosed.

A source recently told People that coming home gives Harry the “best opportunity” to mend his long‑standing rift with his older brother. But another source close to the Prince and Princess of Wales said the couple is taking a cautious stance.

William and Kate are avoiding any “impulsive reaction,” the source told the American tabloid. “They’re keeping the situation under control. It’s a private matter, and they don’t feel the need to say anything or make any public gesture.” Any reconciliation, the source added, “will be a slow process. They still feel a deep sense of betrayal.”

Harry and Meghan have largely stayed out of the spotlight since arriving in Britain on August 26. So far, their return has not led to any meeting with the rest of the royal family. Harry has previously expressed a desire to repair family ties, telling the BBC in May 2025: “I would very much like to reconcile with my family. It makes no sense to keep fighting.”

Still, after years of tension between the brothers, proximity alone is unlikely to resolve the divide. Harry has made progress with his father, King Charles. In July, he and his family met the King and Queen Camilla at Highgrove House — the first time in four years that Charles had seen Meghan, Archie and Lilibet. A source told People that the King “would like, eventually, to see his sons together. This is the best opportunity we’ve had in recent years.” But the relationship between William and Harry remains stalled, with no contact for years.

A source familiar with both brothers added: “Honestly, I thought things would calm down a bit. But there has been no progress, especially from William. There’s no contact.”

Monday marked the anniversary of Princess Diana’s death on August 31, 1997. As in past years, royal experts reflected on how her absence has shaped the nearly three‑decade rift between William and Harry. Diana’s biographer, Andrew Morton, told People last year: “Diana always said she had two sons for a reason: the younger would support the elder in the lonely task of being future king. There’s no doubt she would have tried to make peace between them. If she were still alive, they would have resolved things differently.”

THE LATEST NEWS

[recent_post_slider design=”design-07″ show_author=”false” slider_height=”390″ lazyload=”progressive” limit=”6″ category=”11728″]

(Photo: © AndKronos)