Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been urged to reconsider their approach if they hope to build a steady and dignified life outside the monarchy.
Speaking to GB News at the launch of his book The Royal Butler: My Remarkable Life of Royal Service, King Charles’ former butler Grant Harrold said the couple must “change the narrative” if they want to move forward peacefully.
“Somebody’s Got to Back Down”
When asked what advice he’d give Harry and Meghan, Grant jokingly replied: “Speak to Elon Musk, get a rocket to go to the moon,” before turning serious.
“I think they’ve got to change how they do things,” he explained. “I’m not saying they’ve not got strong feelings, I know they have, but somebody’s got to back down. And the king, the household, they’re not going to obviously back down.”
Harrold, who worked alongside King Charles for seven years, believes it is unrealistic to expect the palace to initiate reconciliation. Instead, he insists Harry, 40, and Meghan, 44, must take the first step.
“They’ve got to do something in order for it to go forward,” he said. “Otherwise, it’s just going to keep clashing. Otherwise, it’s just going to be a mess. You don’t go forward.”
Harry’s Upcoming UK Visit
These comments come as speculation grows over whether Prince Harry will meet his father during his upcoming visit to London for the WellChild Awards, which falls on September 8 — the third anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s death.
Since leaving royal duties in 2020, Harry and Meghan have built new lives in California, signing lucrative media deals and producing high-profile projects. While their Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan and Harry’s memoir Spare generated worldwide headlines, they also intensified the couple’s strained relationship with the royal family.
Even so, Harrold believes King Charles would welcome a peaceful resolution, though “not at any cost.”
Meghan Facing a Difficult Choice
Royal commentator Duncan Larcombe suggested Meghan may soon face a dilemma if Harry moves toward reconciliation with his family.
Reports indicate that Harry could see his father in person this month for the first time since February 2024. However, a meeting with Prince William appears unlikely.
In May, Harry told the BBC he wanted to mend ties. “I would love reconciliation with my family,” he said. “There’s no point continuing to fight any more, life is precious.” He also admitted his father was not speaking to him at the time.
According to Larcombe, Meghan could be forced into a tough decision. “Does she come with Harry and look the people she’s criticised in the eyes? Or does she allow Harry to come with the children and stay away?” he asked in New! magazine. “If it’s the latter… it would be interpreted as an enormous snub.”
Meghan’s Limited Visits to the UK
Meghan last traveled to Britain in September 2022 for Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral. Since then, she has often remained in California with their children, Archie and Lilibet, while Harry returned for select occasions.
“She wants to be a hands-on mum,” Larcombe explained. “[She] was never prepared to make the sacrifice that royal mums have to make.”
