Harry and Meghan’s UK return could create ‘rival courts’ within the Royal Family, veteran reporter warns

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s surprise decision to return to Britain could trigger a new division within the Royal Family, with royal figures potentially being forced to choose between the Sussexes and the rest of the monarchy, according to veteran royal reporter Richard Kay.

Speaking on the latest episode of the Daily Mail’s Deep Dive podcast, Kay joined host Chris Pleasance to examine what the couple’s unexpected homecoming could mean for the monarchy.

Kay, who has covered the Royal Family for more than four decades, warned that Harry and Meghan could attract their own circle of supporters in Britain, creating what he described as the possibility of “rival courts.”

Could Harry and Meghan build their own royal circle?

The Sussexes arrived in Britain by private jet on Wednesday, only a week after their plans to return became public.

They are reportedly renting a property in the Cotswolds, while Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet are said to have been enrolled at schools in the area.

But their return could have consequences far beyond where the family lives.

Kay suggested that people around the monarchy could gradually gravitate toward different camps, with some supporting Harry and Meghan while others remain aligned with Prince William, Catherine, King Charles and Queen Camilla.

“The whole thing opens up the prospect of rival courts,” Kay said on the podcast.

He explained that figures could begin gathering around the Sussexes, while others remain loyal to the senior members of the Royal Family.

For the institution, Kay suggested, such a division could become a serious concern.

He questioned whether Harry might develop a close inner circle of supporters willing to speak publicly on his behalf or reveal more about his life in Britain.

That possibility, he said, could create an additional source of tension within the monarchy.

Harry and William’s unresolved relationship

A major factor behind the speculation is the continuing breakdown in Harry’s relationship with his older brother, William.

The brothers are understood to have little or no meaningful relationship, leaving unresolved tensions that have persisted for years.

Kay argued that Harry’s return could bring those divisions into sharper focus, particularly because public interest in the brothers remains intense.

He also compared the situation with Harry’s arrival in the United States, where the Duke attracted considerable attention from high-profile figures fascinated by his decision to step away from royal life.

Kay believes a similar fascination could emerge now that Harry and Meghan have returned to Britain.

“People are going to be fascinated by what happens next,” he said, suggesting that the unresolved rivalry between the brothers could become a significant distraction for the Royal Family.

Charles was reportedly caught off guard

Kay also highlighted what he described as the “most extraordinary development” of the past week: reports that King Charles was apparently given very little warning about Harry and Meghan’s decision to return.

The couple had met privately with Charles at Highgrove just six weeks earlier, yet reports suggest the King only learned about their plans around three days before the announcement was made public.

For Kay, the circumstances raise obvious questions.

He pointed out that finding a property and arranging schools for two children would normally require considerable planning and involve other people.

“It’s staggering,” Kay said, questioning whether Charles had been blindsided by the announcement.

He suggested the apparent lack of advance notice was consistent with what he sees as a longstanding pattern in the way Harry and Meghan have handled major decisions.

A familiar pattern of surprise

Kay argued that the manner of the announcement was characteristic of the Sussexes.

Rather than approaching the Royal Family with plans to discuss a possible return, he suggested the couple had effectively presented their decision as something already settled.

According to Kay, that approach has repeatedly left members of the Royal Family reacting to decisions after they have already been made.

The veteran royal reporter described the situation as a case of Harry and Meghan once again catching the family off guard.

Their return therefore raises questions not only about where the Sussexes will live, but also about how their presence could affect relationships within the wider monarchy.

What happens next?

Harry and Meghan’s return has already generated intense interest, but the consequences could extend well beyond the couple’s own family life.

If they establish a strong network of friends, supporters and public figures in Britain, the Royal Family could face renewed attention on the divisions between Harry and William.

For now, the Sussexes are beginning a new chapter in the UK with Archie and Lilibet, while the wider Royal Family faces the possibility that their return could bring old disagreements back into the spotlight.

On Deep Dive, Richard Kay also discussed how Harry might attempt to rebuild his relationship with the British public and what his return could ultimately mean for his standing within the country he left six years ago.