Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's big return to the UK risks 'taking attention' from the Queen

Queen Elizabeth II, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex watch the RAF flypast on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, as members of the Royal Family attend events to mark the centenary of the RAF on July 10, 2018 in London, England
(Image credit: Getty Images / Chris Jackson / Staff)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are keeping their schedules clear to make a return to the UK for Queen’s Platinum Jubilee this summer—but a royal expert has warned that they risk taking focus from Her Majesty. 

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are believed to be ‘keeping their diaries free’ to make their big return to the UK, for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend a Creative Industries and Business Reception on October 02, 2019 in Johannesburg, South Africa

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have not paid a visit to the UK as a pair since stepping back as senior royals and moving to LA back in 2020. Prince Harry has returned just a handful of times, including for Princess Diana’s memorial statue unveiling, and for funeral of his grandfather, Prince Philip

This is now set to change, as the Queen has invited them both to her milestone Jubilee this year, in an attempt to ‘extend an olive branch’ following months of reports on an ongoing rift in the family. 

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Harry attend at the annual Chelsea Flower show at Royal Hospital Chelsea on May 18, 2015 in London,

The historic royal event marks the Queen’s 70th year on the throne and will be celebrated by a four-day bank holiday, Trooping of the Colours, and a march down the Mall to Buckingham Palace by troops and veterans. 

It’s also been reported that the Queen will demonstrate her enduring bond to her grandson, Harry, and Meghan by bestowing a special honour. It is clear Her Majesty wants to move away from drama, and the Jubilee is the perfect event to mend bridges and bring the family together.

Queen Elizabeth II sitts and laughs with Meghan, Duchess of Sussex during a ceremony to open the new Mersey Gateway Bridge on June 14, 2018

Royal commentator Neil Simon has expressed a concern that the presence of Harry and Meghan at the monarch's very special celebration could take the shine away from her. 

He said, "What I'm suspecting is there will be some kind of banquet, perhaps low-key, that they possibly could get invited to.

"You can only imagine what on earth they could possibly offer. I don't mean that in a cruel way but you know it's going to be very difficult for Her Majesty the Queen and of course, His Royal Highness Prince Charles and Princess Anne.

"That would take away a lot of focus away from the Queen," he continued, before confirming, "What we do know, however, is that their diaries are remaining free."

Naomi Jamieson
Lifestyle News Writer

Naomi is a Lifestyle News Writer with the Lifestyle team and has recently earned her Gold Standard Diploma in Journalism from the NCTJ. She has a background in design, having studied Illustration at Plymouth University but has taken a leap into the world of journalism after always having a passion for writing. She currently writes pieces on beauty, fashion, and entertainment for Goodto.com and My Imperfect Life.