Prominent media personality Megyn Kelly recently asserted that the reported return of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to the United Kingdom is driven by their alleged inability to tolerate the burgeoning successes of Prince William and his wife, Kate Middleton, the Prince and Princess of Wales. Kelly, 55, suggested that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are facing significant challenges with their independent ventures in the United States, leading them to reconsider their ties to the British monarchy.
During an appearance on The Megyn Kelly Show on Tuesday, July 28, Kelly sharply criticized the Sussexes’ post-royal endeavors. She claimed that their media projects, including a reported lack of viewership for their content, led to Netflix not renewing a comprehensive deal with them. Furthermore, Kelly stated that Meghan Markle’s lifestyle brand, "As Ever," is allegedly performing poorly. This perceived lack of success in their independent ventures, Kelly argued, is a primary driver for their renewed interest in the royal sphere, which she described as their "one source of fame and money that they know will work."
The Sussexes’ Post-Royal Ventures Under Scrutiny
Since their decision in 2020 to step back as senior working royals, a move widely dubbed "Megxit," Prince Harry, 41, and Meghan Markle, 44, embarked on a new life in Montecito, California, aiming for financial independence. Their efforts included securing lucrative deals with major streaming platforms. A multi-year deal with Netflix was announced in September 2020, intended to produce documentaries, docuseries, feature films, scripted shows, and children’s programming. Key projects under this partnership included the Harry & Meghan docuseries and Heart of Invictus.
However, reports have surfaced questioning the overall output and impact of these ventures. While Harry & Meghan garnered considerable attention, subsequent projects have faced mixed reviews. Similarly, a reported multi-million dollar podcast deal with Spotify under their Archewell Audio banner produced the Archetypes podcast, hosted by Meghan, which concluded after one season. The termination of this deal also fueled speculation about the commercial viability of their independent content creation. Meghan’s "As Ever" brand, launched more recently, has been positioned as a lifestyle and wellness platform, but its market reception remains a subject of public and media debate.
The Enduring Popularity of William and Kate Middleton
In stark contrast, Prince William, 44, and Kate Middleton, 44, have consistently maintained high public approval ratings and a visible presence in their roles as senior working royals. As the heir to the throne and his consort, their public engagements, charitable work, and representation of the Crown have largely been met with positive reception. Kelly highlighted this disparity, noting that while "everything they [Harry and Meghan] touch turns to c— in America," the Prince and Princess of Wales appear to have the Midas touch, with "everything they touch turns to gold."
She specifically cited their "star turn at Wimbledon," a high-profile event where the royal couple’s presence is a tradition. Kelly described Princess Kate as having an "ethereal" quality and affirmed that the couple is "beloved" by the public. This consistent public adoration and perceived stability within the monarchy, especially as King Charles III navigates his reign, arguably amplify the pressure and frustration for the Sussexes observing from afar.
Shifting Tides in Royal Palace Dynamics
Kelly’s commentary also coincided with significant changes within King Charles’s inner circle, potentially signaling a shift in the dynamics concerning the Sussexes. Reports indicated that Sir Clive Alderton, King Charles’s closest aide and private secretary for two decades, was stepping down from his role. Alderton was widely believed to have opposed Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s potential return to the British royal family in any official capacity.
Prince Harry himself, in his 2023 memoir Spare, had alluded to Alderton, whom he reportedly nicknamed "the wasp," describing him as a palace official "pretending to be polite" while subtly working against his interests. The departure of such a long-standing and influential figure, particularly one perceived as an impediment to reconciliation, introduces a new variable into the complex relationship between the Sussexes and the monarchy.
A New Aide and the Prospect of Reconciliation
The replacement for Sir Clive Alderton is reportedly Theo Rycroft, a figure described by outlets as someone "who has made it his mission in life to bring Prince Harry back" into the royal fold. Rycroft’s alleged mandate suggests a more conciliatory approach from the Palace towards the Duke of Sussex. This strategic appointment, if true, could be interpreted as King Charles’s desire to mend fences with his younger son, potentially opening a pathway for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to re-engage, at least partially, with royal life.
Kelly speculated that this change in personnel, combined with their own struggles, has fueled the Sussexes’ desire for "another chance." She suggested they envision achieving the same level of public admiration and success as William and Kate, believing, "We can be like them. We can have the same sort of accolades that those two do." This aspiration, she argued, underscores their motivation to return to the U.K. and seek a renewed role within the royal framework.
Recent Overtures and Lingering Estrangement
Indeed, the Sussexes have seemingly taken recent steps towards repairing their strained relationship with the royal family. Earlier this month, Meghan Markle traveled to the U.K. with the couple’s two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. This visit marked their first reunion with King Charles in years, a significant moment given the prolonged period of estrangement and the highly publicized tensions.
Prince Harry returned to his California home reportedly feeling "really energized" after spending time with his father, suggesting a positive interaction. However, despite these apparent overtures towards King Charles, royal experts widely predict that the deep rift between Prince Harry and his older brother, Prince William, remains. The brothers have not been seen together publicly since the late Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in September 2022, highlighting the enduring nature of their estrangement.
The public and media continue to closely monitor these developments, particularly the motivations behind the Sussexes’ recent movements and the potential implications for the future of the British monarchy. While a full return to working royal duties for Harry and Meghan remains speculative, the evolving dynamics within the Palace and the contrasting fortunes of the two royal couples provide fertile ground for ongoing discussion and analysis.
