Prince Harry’s UK Return Could Present ‘Best Opportunity’ to Med Rift with Prince William

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's return marks a significant shift after years of transatlantic distance from the royal family. Insiders suggest the timing couldn't be better for healing old wounds.

Prince Harry is reportedly planning to relocate to the UK with his family, including wife Meghan Markle and children Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5. The news made headlines over the last week, with the family expected to arrive in Harry's home country before the month ends.

Multiple outlets revealed on Wednesday, August 19, that the family would be moving across the pond, and their children are already reportedly enrolled in new schools in Britain, with classes set to begin in September.

The move comes as Harry appears to be making headway in rebuilding his relationship with his father, King Charles III, following the family's long-awaited reunion last month. It's understood that the monarch was informed of the relocation on Sunday, August 16.

Harry's relationship with his older brother, Prince William, remains deeply strained, however. A source has suggested that Harry's return to Britain presents the "best opportunity" for the brothers to reconcile.

"It would never happen with him in America," the source told People. "This gives them opportunity to try and mend that bridge." Harry and William's relationship has been strained for years, with tensions deepening after Harry and Meghan stepped back from royal duties in 2020.

The rift widened following the couple's 2021 bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey, their "Harry & Meghan" Netflix docuseries, and Harry's bestselling memoir, "Spare," all of which included personal revelations about life inside the royal family.

Although a source close to Harry describes his relationship with his father as "better," his bond with Prince William tells a different story — the two remain distant, with "no contact" between them.

"I thought it would have perhaps eased a little bit by now, to be honest. But there has been no movement, especially on William's side," an insider shared in July.

Still, Harry's return to Britain could naturally open the door to more contact between the brothers, "whether they want it or not." Other royal family members, including Princess Catherine, may also help nudge the pair toward reconciliation.

"Catherine may step into that breach and try to help, too, because she knows how important family is and how important Harry is to William," the source said. "She would want to see that healed, as any wife would. This gives them opportunity to try and mend that bridge."

The insider also suggests Meghan may stay largely out of the spotlight as the family resettles in Britain. Eventually, though, they believe "the public will want to see them both," adding, "I think they should tread a little carefully, and I think they will."

Ultimately, King Charles may hold the key to any future reconciliation. The monarch reportedly welcomed news of Harry's return after being briefed on the family's plans just days before the story broke.

"He will want to see his sons together over time," the source says of the King. "This is the best opportunity we have seen in recent years." Like others close to the family, the source says they're optimistic this new chapter could mark a turning point for the better.

"It's the start of a really positive chapter for them, and it's wonderful for the King to have his son home and to spend time with his grandchildren."