Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, is reportedly feeling "homesick" and seeking to establish a residence in the United Kingdom, even as his wife, Meghan Markle, remains focused on her Hollywood ambitions, according to royal experts and insiders. The couple, who currently reside in the affluent coastal town of Montecito, California, has faced numerous challenges since stepping down as senior members of the royal family in 2020.
Kinsey Schofield, host of the "To Di For Daily" podcast, told Fox News Digital that Prince Harry's desire to reconnect with his roots is driven by a mix of emotions. "I hear that Harry is both content with his new lifestyle and homesick," Schofield said. "It just depends on the day. I'm sure Harry could get homesick, and we know that he is prone to wearing his heart on his sleeve."
However, Schofield noted that the Duke's plans to secure a UK residence hinge on resolving his ongoing security issues. "Harry won't make any drastic or financial moves until he settles his security issues," she added. The prince recently lost an initial bid to appeal a High Court ruling that upheld a government panel's decision to limit his access to publicly funded security in the UK.
Grant Harrold, former butler to King Charles, told the New York Post that Prince Harry has been eyeing properties in his home country, signaling a potential shift in his priorities. "It's something that he's wanted and been thinking about," Harrold claimed. "You've only got one family, and this means he's suddenly realized that."
While Harrold suggested that Meghan Markle might spend part of the year in the UK if her husband purchases a property there, Schofield disagrees. "She feels rejected by the UK and that does not sit well with her," Schofield claimed. "I don't even think she has any desire to win them over again. Meghan is totally focused on winning over the elite in Hollywood."
The couple's strained relationship with the royal family has been well-documented, with Prince Harry detailing his rocky relationships in TV interviews, a documentary, and his memoir, "Spare." However, the recent cancer diagnoses of King Charles and Kate Middleton have sparked speculation about a possible reconciliation.
"I don't think the family cares if [Harry] buys property in the UK," Schofield said. "I think they are consumed with healing and loving one another right now."
British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard expressed skepticism about the couple splitting their time between the US and UK, pointing to Meghan Markle's apparent reluctance to spend time in the UK. "Meghan has made it quite obvious that she doesn't want to spend any time in the UK and Harry will not do anything without her support," Chard explained.
Chard also highlighted the importance of Prince Harry securing a family home in the UK as a means to rebuild trust and connections with his family. "It would be a smart move for Prince Harry to secure a family home here in the UK as he can start building bridges with his family," she said. "It is up to him to make amends and rebuild family trust if there is going to be any family connection going forward."
The couple's search for a UK residence comes amid reports that Prince Harry's friends are refusing to visit him in the US due to their "rifts" with Meghan Markle. Royal commentator and expert Tom Quinn told The Mirror that the Duke of Sussex is "sad" that he no longer has a British address to his name and misses his schoolmates and army friends, "many of whom have not visited as they don't get on with Meghan."