Prince Harry Has a "Zero Percent Chance" of Returning to an Official Royal Role, Source Claims
It was previously claimed that a temporary return was being considered.
Prince Harry will not be returning to royal life in an official capacity anytime soon—or at least so say several sources who spoke to British papers over the weekend.
This news comes following other reports that the Duke of Sussex might temporarily step in to help while his father King Charles is undergoing treatment for cancer.
"Whatever has been discussed between William and the King is private, but it is absolutely and categorically clear that [William] would not allow Harry to return," one source close to the situation told the Mirror.
"He thought it was a bad idea at the time and he’s even more clear now. If anyone is going to take on more duties it will be William, and that isn’t even on the agenda for now. His main focus is on his father’s health, his family and what is best for the monarchy. There is a zero percent chance Harry is coming back in any capacity."
Sources who spoke to the Telegraph mirrored these claims.
One of these insiders pointed to the 2020 Sandringham agreement, which clearly laid out that a "half in, half out" commitment to being part of the royal fold in an official capacity was out of the question for Harry and Meghan. "Those terms were quite clear, and the King’s illness hasn’t altered that," they said.
Royal expert Ingrid Seward agreed, telling the Telegraph, "Harry is out. There’s no going back to a public role. What would he do? He has got no patronages to exercise as a public figure and for him to come back would just be a parade for Harry. It would not be a serious, proper role like the working royals have."
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Earlier, friends of Harry's told the Times of London that the duke would love to help with royal duties while his father is unwell, with the paper also reporting that Charles feels this would "benefit the institution."
One source said, "On all practical levels, it makes perfect sense for the family to come together to support the King while he’s sick," which includes Harry stepping in for a while.
But if the new sources are to be believed, there's not much chance of this happening. Whomp.
Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of British Vogue, InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Refinery29 and SELF. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
20 On-Sale Beauty Finds to Conquer the Winter Season
It's time to add some hydration to your routine.
By Brooke Knappenberger Published
-
Netflix Is Adapting One of #BookTok's Favorite Romances—Here's What We Know About Ana Huang's 'Twisted Love' TV Series
Could this be the next 'Bridgerton' or 'Tell Me Lies?'
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
'American Primeval' Is Bound to Be Your First Netflix Obsession of 2025—Here's What to Know About the Cast
Taylor Kitsch and Betty Gilpin led the gritty miniseries about a family's trek across the American West in 1857.
By Radhika Menon Published
-
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Issue Statement on California's Devastating Wildfires
The Sussexes addressed the disaster, which is "affecting tens of thousands from all walks of life."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Meghan Markle Shares Her Most Personal Instagram Post Yet—Including Rare Glimpses of Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet—After Their Beloved Dog Dies
"Thank you for so many years of unconditional love, my sweet Guy. You filled my life in ways you’ll never know."
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Daughter Lilibet Has Already Entered Her "Princess Phase"
The Sussexes are very "down-to-earth" parents, according to a family friend.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Mindy Kaling Reveals Whether Prince Harry Can Cook While Discussing Duchess Meghan's "Accessible" New Netflix Series
The comedian shared some insight into the Duke of Sussex's culinary skills.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Meghan Markle’s Dad Said He’s “Incredibly Grateful” to King Charles for Walking Meghan Down the Aisle at Her Wedding
"I wish her no ill-will. My dream is that one day I could bring my whole family together."
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
Duchess Sophie "Never Got Overly Involved" in Prince Harry and Prince William's Relationship, But She Was a "Peacekeeper"
The Duchess of Edinburgh "was among the few people who understood how difficult it was behind-the-scenes."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Princess Diana Wanted Prince Harry and Prince William to Grow Up Experiencing "Life Beyond the Palace Walls"
"She wanted her two boys to be brought up in a way no other royal Princes had been."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
How an Abduction Plot Involving Prince Harry Forced the Royal Family to Rethink Their Security Protocol
A murder suspect had allegedly been planning to kidnap the Duke in Argentina, and gun shots were fired.
By Amy Mackelden Published