Katie: ‘She’s not interested in returning to the UK any time soon’

Author of Harry: Life, Loss And Love Katie Nicholl says she believes bridges may have been burnt between Harry and the royals now, and she can’t see him coming back to the UK any time soon.

She says, “Harry and Meghan’s interview with Oprah was above and beyond anything that anyone expected, and I can’t believe an intelligent young woman like Meghan, and a Prince who was born into this institution, could not have been aware of what the consequences would be.

“Harry was 18 when he said he wanted to continue the legacy that his mother never got to finish – and in her BBC Panorama interview [Diana’s controversial exposé of her life at the Palace aired on the BBC in 1995], Diana undermined the institution and went straight to the heart of the monarchy. Meghan and Harry have done the same in this interview, but it’s even more explosive because of the allegations of racism. It was incredibly damaging to the royal family.”

Last week, Prince William sternly defended his family when he was asked by a reporter whether he had spoken to

Harry and whether the royals were racist. He said, “I haven’t [spoken to Harry] yet no, but I will do. We’re very much not a racist family.” Meanwhile the Queen released a statement saying the “issues raised would be taken very seriously.”

Katie says, “I’ve heard Will is ‘beyond livid’ about the interview – it’s a shame as the brothers had been building bridges in recent months. Harry and Meghan might have wanted to protect the Queen by speaking about her warmth, but I fear it may have backfired. The Queen is the head of the family and any criticism will land at her door. There’s clearly been a lot of hurt on both sides, but I believe the person hurt most will be the Queen.

“There was an understanding that the couple would spend many months of the year in the UK, despite their move to LA, but I can’t see that happening now. Harry was due to return to the UK for his grandfather Prince Philip’s 100th birthday in June, as well as the unveiling of his mother’s statue at Kensington Palace in July. However I’m told he hasn’t booked his ticket back to the UK. While I’m also told that it has more to do with the pandemic than anything else, there is definitely a question mark over whether they’ll be back. I think the idea of Harry and William standing side by side and unveiling a monument dedicated to their mother at the moment just feels like a very awkward encounter. I don’t believe Meghan has any plans to return – partly due to her pregnancy [she’s confirmed their baby girl will arrive this summer], but she’s also made it clear she’s not interested in returning any time soon.”