Prince Harry Returns to U.K. Alone as Meghan Markle Avoids Royal Drama

Prince Harry is poised to make a solo return to the United Kingdom in January 2025 for a court date, while Meghan Markle is reportedly opting out of the trip. This decision comes in the context of ongoing legal battles, particularly Harry’s trial against News Group Newspapers, which is set to unfold next year. Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams speculated that the Duke of Sussex will navigate this situation independently, citing various factors that might deter Meghan from accompanying him.

Harry last appeared at the High Court in London on June 7, 2023, and his wife did not attend. Fitzwilliams emphasized the significance of public opinion, suggesting that the apparent rift with the royal family contributes to Meghan’s absence. There’s also speculation surrounding Harry’s future, with royal biographer Hugo Vickers hinting at the possibility of Harry returning to the UK permanently, perhaps even leaving Meghan behind. Vickers remarked on the importance of maintaining a welcoming atmosphere for Harry should he decide to come back, noting that he might be feeling quite discontented with the current circumstances.

The couple has not been seen together in the UK since September 2022. In February, Harry successfully reached a financial settlement regarding allegations of phone hacking against a tabloid publisher, which included a significant payout of 140,000 pounds. This case was part of a broader legal framework in which Harry has been challenging media practices in the UK, asserting his rights to privacy after enduring a lifetime of intense media scrutiny, a situation exacerbated by the tragic passing of his mother, Princess Diana.

Harry is set to go to trial alongside only one other claimant, following a series of settlements with more than thirty individuals against the media company. Meanwhile, Meghan appears to be focusing on her ventures, including her lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard. As the legal battles continue to unfold, the spotlight remains firmly on the dynamics of the Sussexes and their complex relationship with the royal family.