Why it matters: Recent reports suggest Prince Harry is growing weary of life in the United States and may be seeking ways to reconnect with his old life in the UK, potentially mending relationships with the royal family.

The big picture: Four years after stepping down from royal duties, Harry's alleged actions indicate a possible shift in his stance towards royal life and his relationships with family members.

Key signs of a potential UK return:

  1. Reaching out to old contacts:
    • Harry has reportedly sent conciliatory WhatsApp messages to old school friends.
    • He has allegedly contacted a former aide from his time as a working royal.
    • Sources claim Harry is "turning away from Hollywood publicists" and seeking counsel from old associates.
  2. Dissatisfaction with US life:
    • Reports suggest Harry is feeling "more and more isolated" in California.
    • His recent Colombia trip allegedly highlighted his discomfort in the background while Meghan took center stage.
    • Some friends are reportedly calling efforts to bring Harry back to UK life "Operation Bring Harry In From The Cold."
  3. Olive branch through 'Spare' paperback release:
    • The paperback version of Harry's memoir 'Spare' will be released without any new content or updates.
    • This decision is seen as a potential olive branch to King Charles, Prince William, and other royals.
    • Harry reportedly does not plan to give interviews to promote the paperback edition.
  4. Willingness to help during royal health crisis:
    • In February, reports emerged that Harry was willing to step into a temporary royal role during King Charles' cancer treatment and Kate Middleton's health challenges.
    • Harry expressed love for his family and gratitude for time spent with his father after the cancer diagnosis.
  5. Seeking a different approach:
    • Sources claim Harry is rethinking his current strategy, saying, "I need to do something different because what I'm doing is clearly not working."
    • The departure of his chief of staff after just three months may indicate a shift in Harry's professional direction.

Context:

  • Harry and Meghan left their royal roles over four years ago, moving to California.
  • They have faced ongoing feuds with royal family members, including King Charles and Prince William.
  • Recent health issues within the royal family, including King Charles' cancer diagnosis, have potentially opened doors for reconciliation.

What they're saying:

  • A source told The Mail on Sunday: "Harry is clearly reaching out thinking, 'I need to do something different because what I'm doing is clearly not working'."
  • Matt Wilkinson, The Sun's royal editor, on the Colombia trip: "Harry looked a little bit grumpy. May I use his vocabulary - he perhaps looked a bit like 'the spare!'"

What's next:

  • Observers will be watching for any official moves by Harry towards reconciliation with the royal family.
  • The reception of Harry's paperback release of 'Spare' may indicate the royal family's openness to mending relationships.
  • Harry's 40th birthday in September could provide an opportunity for family reconnection.

The bottom line: While no official announcements have been made, these reported actions suggest Prince Harry may be reconsidering his relationship with the UK and the royal family, potentially paving the way for a partial return to royal life.