It has been five years since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped down from their senior royal roles, exchanging the formality of palace life for a quieter existence in California.

While the world continues to speculate about a reconciliation, the couple has yet to publicly repair ties with the royal family. Still, former royal photographer Ian Pelham Turner believes the Sussexes could stage a powerful comeback as “royal ambassadors,” helping to expand the monarchy’s global influence — particularly in the United States.

A Potential Role as Ambassadors

When Harry and Meghan left in 2020, they emphasized their desire to be “financially independent” and to carve out a new, more “progressive” path. Speaking to the Daily Express, Pelham Turner argued, “They would be far better off with a secure and united royal family, both American and British, which would be the most fabulous combination of the lot.”

He suggested their return in a part-time role could serve both sides: the Sussexes would continue their private ventures while lending support to the monarchy. “I wonder whether or not Harry and Meghan, as royals, established royals again, could have a pivotal role in America, that would be really putting out a royal message in America,” he said.

Cutting Speculation With a Reunion

Pelham Turner added that a visible reunion would quiet the endless speculation surrounding the Sussexes and allow the royal family to focus on its duties. “In public opinion, across both sides of the Atlantic, there seems to be more energy in the split rather than bringing them back together again,” he noted. “In reality, the biggest mistake that anyone from the British side is trying to do to vilify Harry and Meghan, the big mistake is that all it does in Britain is remind people of Harry and Meghan.”

Yet, reconciliation is far from simple. Pelham Turner believes Prince William would be the “hardest nut to crack,” with reports suggesting the heir is unwilling to soften his stance. The Prince of Wales was said to be displeased by Harry’s well-received return to the UK, where he was dubbed the “People’s Prince.”

According to one insider quoted by the Daily Mail, “William is back at the point where if you mention Prince Harry in his presence, he would throw you out of the room. He’s doubling down.” Another source claimed William is “infuriated” by Harry’s apparent success in executing a year-long “master plan” to rebuild his public image and his ties to the family.

Signs of a Thaw With King Charles

Even so, Harry’s recent meeting with his father may signal a shift. On September 10, the Duke was spotted arriving at Clarence House at 5:20 p.m. for a private tea with King Charles, leaving just under an hour later. It was their first meeting in 19 months, the last one taking place in February 2024 following the King’s cancer diagnosis.

For some observers, the encounter hints at a possible path back for Harry and Meghan — though the question remains whether William will ever be ready to open the door.