BREAKING: Harry & Meghan at the Centre of a Shock Royal Twist as Balmoral Talks Take an Unexpected Turn
THE Royal Family’s annual summer gathering at Balmoral has turned into a summit on Prince Harry and Meghan’s return from the US.
The get-together, which began today, includes the King and Queen, plus the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Meghan and Prince Harry’s return from the US has prompted a royal summitCredit: / SplashNews.com
The summit is taking place at the Royal Family’s annual summer gathering at BalmoralCredit: Getty
It echoes Sandringham in 2020 when the Sussexes first announced they wanted to leave.
The Royal Family are deeming it “business as usual” ahead of Harry and Meghan’s shock return to the UK, sources have told The Sun.
However, despite the trip being the traditional Royal Family holiday, it is likely to be the tensest gathering on the Scottish estate since the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
The Sun revealed on Wednesday that Harry and Meghan will return later this month – six years after moving to the US.
They have already secured somewhere to live as well as school places for their young children Archie and Lilibet.
Charles, who was only told of his son’s impending return on Sunday, arrived at Balmoral on Tuesday. The King was welcomed by a guard of honour and met the Royal Regiment of Scotland’s Shetland pony mascot.
Queen Camilla is with him, and was seen shopping in nearby Ballater on Monday, before going to the races in York on Wednesday, just hours before the news broke.
William and Kate, plus their children George, Charlotte and Louis, have also arrived.
King Charles was only told of his son’s impending return on SundayCredit: PA
Prince William and Princess Kate are determined that it remains ‘business as usual’ for themCredit: Arthur Edwards / The Sun
It is understood Princess Anne and her husband Sir Timothy Laurence are there too, along with her daughter Zara Tindall and ex-rugby star spouse Mike Tindall.
Prince Edward and wife Sophie are also at the estate nestled in the Highlands — meaning all the major working royals are with the King to help him navigate the next chapter of the Sussex saga.
The gathering also echoes the dramatic Sandringham summit between the late Queen, Charles, William and Harry in 2020 when the couple first announced they wanted to leave – leading to the agreement The Sun labelled “Megxit”.
Charles is understood to be welcoming the opportunity to see more of the Sussexes, including his grandchildren, in a private capacity.
William and Kate are determined that it remains “business as usual” for them — despite years of barbs from the US-based couple.
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, has long been seen as the royals’ “secret weapon” due to her ability to resolve family issues.
Queen Elizabeth II suggested that she mentor Meghan to help her adapt to royal life, but Harry’s wife is said to have declined the offer.
Sophie still remained friendly with Meghan and was the first royal to visit her at Frogmore Cottage in Windsor after Archie’s birth in 2019.
Queen Camilla is said to be with the King at BalmoralCredit: AFP
Prince Edward and wife Sophie are also at the estateCredit: Getty
The following year, she expressed sympathy with Harry and Meghan after their departure for a new life in the States, saying: “I just hope they will be happy.”
She has since become an even more important royal, with William reportedly backing her for a more prominent role.
Mike and Zara Tindall could also be sympathetic, having shared a close relationship with Harry before he quit Britain.
In May, Mike seemed to make a rare jibe by saying he knew Harry “when he was fun”. But last month he appeared to extend an olive branch, as the Instagram account for his podcast reposted a Harry interview clip.
The Duke of Sussex was seen on Thursday for the first time since we revealed news of his return — as he joked with a fellow redhead.
Harry took part in a discussion supporting war heroes at Washington DC, where he posed with red-haired veteran William Bringer.
He said the world “needs more heroes”, adding: “What we need is the younger generation coming into leadership who perhaps see the world slightly differently.
“And I think a little less testosterone might do as well.” Meanwhile, a third of Brits have said Harry and Meghan should not move back to the UK — though the majority are undecided.
Harry was seen for the first time since we revealed news of his return — as he joked with a fellow redheadCredit: AP
Prince Harry has already secured somewhere to live as well as school places for his young childrenCredit: AP
A YouGov poll found that just 21 per cent think they should come back, with 33 per cent saying they should not. But 45 per cent said they are unsure.
Older people are more likely to think they should stay away, with 57 per cent of over-65s not wanting them back, while 24 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds think the same.
Meanwhile, PR expert Mark Borkowski warned their comeback could backfire and suggested the Royal Family may not want them “back in the camp”.
He said: “If we’re going to see the typical Harry and Meghan three-ring circus, then we know what happens when that is played out.
“That leads to massive disruption.”
He warned that if they “repeat the sins of the past”, the Royal Family “will push against this big time”.
He went on: “They will not want them back in the camp. They’ve got to do this by themselves.
“I don’t believe this is reconciliation with the royal household at all.”
Prince William and his family arrived at Balmoral earlier this weekCredit: Getty
The Sussexes had a reunion with Charles last monthCredit: PA
The Sun revealed on Wednesday Harry and Meghan were making a surprise return at the end of this month for an “extended period”, with Archie, seven, and five-year-old Lilibet due to enrol at school.
The Sussexes, who had a reunion with Charles last month, have found a non-royal residence.
They will not be working royals and will continue their business enterprises.
Harry was already due to visit the UK in mid-September for his patronages, including a WellChild Awards bash, and would have been offered a Buckingham Palace room.
A Palace spokesman declined to comment.
