As Prince Harry and Meghan Markle begin a new chapter in Britain with their children, royal commentator Lady Colin Campbell has shared a sensational theory about what brought them back – while insiders claim the upheaval is already placing the couple under enormous strain.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s unexpected return to Britain has sent shockwaves through royal circles – and sparked intense speculation about why the couple have made such a dramatic U-turn.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are reportedly settling into a private, non-royal residence in the Cotswolds with Prince Archie, seven, Princess Lilibet, five, and their dogs, Mia and Pula. They are expected to retain their £11million Californian home and property in Portugal while living as non-working royals during an extended stay in the UK.
The move represents an extraordinary change of heart after Harry previously said: “I can’t see a world in which I would bring my wife and children back to the UK at this point.”
However, royal author and commentator Lady Colin Campbell Campbell has now made an explosive allegation about what may be behind the Sussexes’ return.
Lady Colin Campbell makes sensational claim
She told Closer: “I was informed that Harry has developed a close friendship with another woman who lives in California. And so, of course, if this is the case, it’s a strong incentive for Meghan to have Harry in the United Kingdom.”
This is an unproven allegation based solely on Lady Colin Campbell’s account, and no other reports have substantiated the claim, Closer has stated. Harry has previously dismissed speculation about trouble in his marriage, saying in December 2024: “I feel sorry for the trolls”.
Nevertheless, Lady Colin Campbell Campbell claims the couple could now begin living increasingly separate lives.
“Their marriage has been very volatile, and they are in big trouble financially,” she alleges. “The facts I have been told are that he is going to be here with the children, and she will be flitting in and out of the country.”
Meghan reportedly struggling to readjust
An insider told Closer that the upheaval of moving across the Atlantic is already taking its toll, particularly on Meghan, who is living in Britain for the first time since the couple stepped back from royal duties in 2020.
The insider said: “Those close to the couple are concerned and worry that this could be the worst move Harry has ever made,” an insider says. “This isn’t a fairy-tale, it’s real life. Meghan’s already got her back up. But Harry wants this. His focus is all about the children, getting them enrolled back into the royal fold and allowing them to grow up with family around them.”
A tense time for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
The source added: “This is a terribly tense time – a total uprooting like this is up there with divorce and bereavement as one of life’s most stressful experiences. It could be the beginning of the end if Meghan’s not willing to toe the line.”
Meghan is also said to have established firm ground rules for their new life. According to the insider, Harry must not leave her for extended periods to enjoy skiing, shooting weekends or polo trips with friends.
“Harry must abide by her rules. Firstly, he’s not to leave her for any length of time or go gallivanting for more than a few nights. He’s desperately missed that lifestyle – skiing, shooting weekends and polo with his pals – but Meghan doesn’t want him going on long trips, so she’s insistent they entertain at their new house,” the source explained.
“She also wouldn’t compromise on the house. She wants it to be as good as, if not better than, a royal residence. Meghan wants all her home comforts and Harry has bent over backwards to meet her requirements.”
Harry wants his children close to their family
One of the clearest reasons for the return appears to be Harry’s desire for Archie and Lilibet to build stronger relationships with their British relatives and understand their royal heritage.
Harry has previously spoken of his sadness at being unable to share his homeland with them.
“I miss the UK, I miss parts of the UK, of course I do. I think that it’s really quite sad that I won’t be able to show my children my homeland,” he said after losing his legal battle against the Home Office over his security arrangements.
The family’s return also follows a reported reunion with King Charles at Highgrove on July 10. The meeting was particularly significant because Charles had rarely seen Archie and Lilibet since the Sussexes moved to California.
The King’s cancer treatment is also thought to have strengthened Harry’s determination to repair their relationship and ensure his children spend meaningful time with their grandfather.
However, Charles was reportedly “blindsided” by the decision to move, while Prince William is said to remain deeply opposed to reconciling with his younger brother.
No warm welcome from William and Kate
Lady Colin Campbell believes the Sussexes will face a frosty response from senior royals following their interviews, Netflix programmes and Harry’s memoir, Spare.
“Meghan’s not going to be welcomed back – the family wants absolutely nothing to do with her, and as little to do with Harry as possible. Nobody who treasures their connections to the King or the Waleses will associate with the Sussexes – they know that’s a no-no,” she claims.
She adds: “Kate won’t go near Meghan. She disliked her from the word go, because she saw what she was. William also took his stand and would never be alone with Meghan.”
Relations between the two couples have been strained for years. Meghan claimed during her 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey that Kate had made her cry during a disagreement over bridesmaid dresses. Harry later alleged in Spare that William physically confronted him after describing Meghan as “difficult”, “rude” and “abrasive”.
A new chapter for the Sussexes
Another possible factor in the move is the couple’s uncertain commercial future in America. Although Spare became a global bestseller and their Netflix projects generated huge attention, some of their subsequent ventures have received mixed reactions.
Returning to Britain would also make it easier for Harry to focus on the causes with which he has long been associated, including WellChild and the Invictus Games. Birmingham will host the next Invictus Games, giving the Duke another compelling reason to spend more time in the UK.
While the move is not a complete reversal of Megxit, it marks a remarkable new chapter for Harry, Meghan and their children.
Whether it eventually brings Harry closer to his father and the wider Royal Family – or places even greater pressure on his marriage – remains to be seen.
