Dan Wakeford, founder of Celebrity Intelligence, discusses Prince Harry's expected UK return, his relationship with King Charles, and why a meeting with Prince William remains unlikely.
Prince Harry's return to the United Kingdom could be King Charles' biggest gamble yet — and Prince William may not like it.
KING CHARLES SENDS 'DEFIANCE' MESSAGE TO PRINCE WILLIAM WITH BUCKINGHAM PALACE ROOM OFFER TO HARRY: EXPERT
Prince Harry is seen walking behind King Charles during the procession for the lying-in-state of Queen Elizabeth II on Sept. 14, 2022, in London. According to reports, Harry is expected to return to the U.K. in September 2026. (Karwai Tang/WireImage)
"My sources say staff at Buckingham Palace are against Harry staying," Chard said. "They feel immensely betrayed by Harry's explosive claims against the royal family. Also, my sources say there has been no hint of contrition from the Sussexes. People are not going to forget that they hurled the royal family under the bus, creating lasting damage to the crown. Many wonder why King Charles is appeasing Harry."
The olive branch came after the Sussexes had a rare reunion with Charles during their visit to the U.K. in July. The private meeting, which took place at Charles' country estate, Highgrove House, marked the first time the king had seen his grandchildren, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, since 2022.
WATCH: PRINCE WILLIAM UNLIKELY TO RECONCILE WITH PRINCE HARRY SOON: EXPERT
Harry's recent visit to the U.K. was marked by problems.
After reports that the prince would visit his home country with his family, the British government declined his request for police protection outside royal residences, prompting him to travel alone on July 6.
Since marrying in 2018 and making their royal exit in 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been attempting to carve out their own independent roles outside of the monarchy. (Joshua Sammer/Getty Images)
The Sussexes lost their taxpayer-funded security after they stepped back as senior working royals. Harry was later denied the restoration of that security by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (RAVEC).
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, relocated to California in 2020. (Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
The couple previously lived at Nottingham Cottage on the grounds of Kensington Palace in London before moving to Frogmore Cottage in Windsor shortly before Archie was born in 2019. After they stepped back as working royals in 2020 and relocated to California, the Sussexes were asked to vacate Frogmore Cottage.
Frogmore Cottage was the home of Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. (GOR/Getty Images)
People magazine reported that ahead of Harry's trip, his team spent several days exploring ways to make the visit safe through enhanced private security arrangements. Palace sources told the outlet Harry initially declined an invitation to stay at a royal residence before later accepting it.
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, speaks at Scotty's Summer Festival at Maxstoke Castle near Birmingham, central England, on July 11, 2026. (Heathcliff O'Malley/AFP via Getty Images)
Harry's spokesperson told the outlet that an offer for the Duke of Sussex to stay at Buckingham Palace during his London visit was withdrawn after he had formally accepted it. Palace sources, however, disputed that account, saying Harry failed to respond by the deadline and that his later acceptance came only after arrangements could no longer be made.
A general view of Buckingham Palace in London, England, on July 6, 2026. (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
A source close to the Sussexes told the outlet that, behind the scenes, the drama surrounding the visit was "quite stressful."
"What was billed as a big homecoming ... turned into a nightmare," Russell Myers, author of "William & Catherine," told the outlet. "It was further evidence of the fractiousness of Harry's relationship with the institution."
Prince Harry attends the Time100 Sports Gala at Pier Sixty on July 16, 2026, in New York City. (WWD via Getty Images)
Katie Nicholl, Vanity Fair's royal correspondent, reported that, according to sources, "not even the Prince and Princess of Wales were made aware" that a meeting would take place on July 10 between the Sussexes and the king.
Catherine, Princess of Wales kisses Prince William as she presents the prizes following the DMMI Royal Charity Polo Cup 2026 at The Castle Ground, Guards Polo Club, Flemish Farm, in Windsor, England, on July 10, 2026. At the time, the Sussexes were at Highgrove House with King Charles and Queen Camilla. (Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
She also reported that Charles, "who has sworn his youngest son and daughter-in-law to secrecy," insisted that nothing about their July 10 meeting be leaked. Only palace aides were permitted to confirm the reunion had taken place after the Sussexes left Highgrove House without being seen.
Prince William, Prince of Wales and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex attend the Committal Service for Queen Elizabeth II at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle on Sept. 19, 2022, in Windsor, England. (Getty Images)
Prince William is said to remain wary of his estranged brother, many of them shared. According to the experts, the brothers have not spoken since 2022, when their grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, died.
The Sun reported that Prince Harry is expected to visit the U.K. in September and his father, King Charles (center), will offer his son a room at Buckingham Palace in London. (Aaron Chown - WPA Pool/Getty Images)
If Charles hopes to bring Harry back into the royal fold, he'll first need the blessing of the future king, royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams said.
Still, Chard believes Charles appears willing to risk fresh royal tensions in pursuit of something he's long wanted: reconciliation with Harry.
King Charles III is seen arriving at Clarence House on Sept. 10, 2025, in London, England. The monarch had a private tea with his son, Prince Harry. (Belinda Jiao/Getty Images)
"Don't get me wrong, reconciliation within the British royal family would be good as it makes the monarchy stronger," Chard said. "However, why invite Harry to Buckingham Palace, the iconic royal residence that's the administrative heart of the monarchy? Harry is no longer a working royal and shouldn't be offered a room at Buckingham Palace."
"I guess the optics of inviting Harry to Buckingham Palace are seen as a goodwill gesture, easing tensions with small steps forward, peace-wise," Chard said. "It also skates over the endless divide within the family."
Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, looks on as Britain's King Charles III leaves Westminster Abbey after the coronation ceremonies in central London on May 6, 2023. He was sitting a few rows away from his family. (Ben Stansall/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Prince William (pictured here) did not meet with his estranged younger brother, Prince Harry, who spent time with their father King Charles III at Highgrove House, the monarch's private residence, on July 10, 2026. (Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
"William believes the monarchy must be seen to do the right thing, even when it's painful. From what I understand, he felt his father didn't handle that firmly enough. He also believes in protecting it by drawing hard lines. But he's not the king yet."
According to reports, Earl Charles Spencer hosted the Sussexes during their visit to Althorp House. (Jordan Pettitt/PA Images)
During part of their U.K. visit, the Sussexes stayed at Althorp, Princess Diana's ancestral home, where they were hosted by Harry's uncle, Earl Charles Spencer. It was there that Archie and Lilibet learned more about their grandmother, who died when Harry was 12, according to People.
Meghan later shared photos of Harry and their children at the estate on Instagram.