Prince Harry seems to be preparing for a return to the British court. Plans are being made from various quarters to normalize Harry’s presence in royal circles. But will the British be able to embrace him again?
Last week, Prince Harry and Prince William appeared together for the first time in a long time at the same event. Although their meeting was described as ‘cold’ and ‘distant’, it is a big step for the brothers to be in a room together. In fact, according to The Daily Mail, it is part of a larger plan to slowly reintegrate Harry into the British royal family.
Harry and William together
At the memorial service for their uncle, Sir Robert Fellows, last week, both Harry and Wills were present. And yes, they kept their distance and didn’t spare each other a glance, but it is a step in the right direction. The last time they appeared together at an event was at Charles’ coronation last year, but even then there was hardly any interaction between the two.
Return to the British Royals
According to The Daily Mail, Harry’s presence at the service may have had a hidden motive. There are currently all kinds of processes in progress that should ensure that the prince can slowly reclaim his place in the royal family.
However, the prince’s image needs a good polish. Harry is said to have said goodbye to his American PR team and sought new advisors. An insider told The Daily Mail: “Harry is turning away from all kinds of Hollywood journalists and is only taking advice from old friends and people related to the court.”
Harry is also said to have tried to contact a number of old friends from England. They are reportedly prepared to help the prince with his reintegration plans, which they jokingly call ‘Operation Bring Harry In From The Cold’. They have placed their hopes somewhat on private secretary Edward Lane Fox, who might be able to put in a good word for Harry within the royal family: “If anyone can do this, it’s Edward.” Edward himself wisely renounces this profession.
Strategy
It is not clear exactly what the operation ‘Bring Harry Home’ will look like. One of his close friends believes that a return for Harry to the UK is definitely possible, but he should “come back without any bells and whistles, no publicity, and only attend ordinary events.” That way the public can slowly get used to him again.
“Harry has to accept that he can’t seek the spotlight. He won’t be allowed to do much more exciting things than cutting ribbons at first. But that will give him a purpose in his work,” the source expects. “Still, everything stands or falls with the permission of certain members of the family.”
Well, and that is of course the whole problem. The Duke of Sussex may want to make his comeback in the family, but if Charles and William really wanted that, it would probably have happened already. Moreover, the British Telegraph now reports that Harry is not interested in returning to England at all, and is instead focusing on his future in the States. Oh well, of course it all remains speculation. Who is right? Time will tell…
Source: The Daily Mail, De Telegraaf, The Telegraph | Image: NL Beeld
