Meghan Markle’s long-anticipated return to the United Kingdom appears to be further away than many royal watchers once believed, with experts now suggesting that the Duchess of Sussex is unlikely to set foot on British soil at any point in 2026 — despite Prince Harry preparing to return this month.
As speculation swirls around the Sussexes’ next moves, one leading royal commentator has gone so far as to predict that Meghan’s next UK appearance may not take place until 2027, and only under very specific circumstances.
Harry Returns Alone — Again
Prince Harry, 41, is expected to arrive in the UK later this month as legal proceedings against Associated Newspapers officially get underway. The high-profile trial, which is scheduled to begin on January 19, will see the Duke of Sussex among several prominent figures taking action against the publisher of the Daily Mail over alleged unlawful information gathering.
According to reports, Harry is expected to be the first witness to take the stand, with the case potentially lasting up to nine weeks. While his return has reignited interest in whether a reunion with senior members of the Royal Family could occur, one thing appears increasingly clear: Meghan Markle will not be joining him.
Instead, the Duchess of Sussex is set to remain in California, where she will continue caring for the couple’s two children — six-year-old Prince Archie and four-year-old Princess Lilibet.
Why Meghan Is Staying Away
Speaking on GB News, a royal expert offered a blunt assessment of the situation, casting serious doubt on the idea of Meghan returning to Britain in the near future.
“I cannot see Meghan coming to Britain before the Invictus Games,” the expert said. “What would she do — and why would she come? It is not going to be as simple as turning up and seeing King Charles.”
The remarks underscore a reality that many observers have quietly acknowledged: Meghan no longer has a defined role within the Royal Family, nor an obvious reason to travel to the UK beyond major international events.
Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020, the Duchess has focused her efforts firmly on life in the United States — building commercial ventures, developing media projects, and raising her children far from the pressures of royal life.
Invictus Games: The Only Likely Scenario
Founded by Prince Harry in 2014, the Invictus Games remain one of the few causes that continue to bridge his past royal role with his present life. The next UK-hosted Invictus Games are scheduled to take place in Birmingham in July 2027 — and according to experts, this may be the earliest realistic opportunity for Meghan to return.
While Meghan has attended the Games alongside Harry on several occasions in the past, her presence at the 2027 event has not yet been confirmed. Even so, insiders believe that if she were to step back onto British soil, it would likely be in the context of Invictus — a neutral, purpose-driven environment rather than a royal one.
Will the Royal Family Attend?
Another layer of uncertainty surrounds whether any senior members of the Royal Family would attend the Games at all. While Harry is said to have extended invitations as a potential olive branch, palace watchers remain cautious.
Relations between the Sussexes and the rest of the family have been strained for years, particularly following the publication of Harry’s memoir Spare and a series of high-profile interviews that laid bare deeply personal grievances.
Although King Charles is believed to desire reconciliation with his younger son, insiders suggest that trust remains fragile — and public appearances together are unlikely to occur without careful planning.
Security Concerns and a Possible Turning Point
One factor that could potentially influence Meghan’s willingness to return to the UK is the ongoing issue of security.
According to reports in the Mail on Sunday, sources close to the Sussexes claim that Prince Harry is optimistic about regaining automatic taxpayer-funded armed police protection while in Britain — a long-standing point of contention since the couple stepped back from royal duties.
The reports suggest that a fresh risk assessment conducted by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec) may have paved the way for reinstated protection.
“It’s now a formality,” a source claimed. “Sources at the Home Office have indicated that security is now nailed on for Harry.”
If confirmed, the development could remove one of the key barriers that has kept Meghan away from the UK — though experts caution that security alone is unlikely to change her overall stance.
Life in California Takes Priority
For Meghan, life in California represents stability, control, and distance from the intense scrutiny she associates with her time in Britain.
The Duchess has frequently spoken about the toll royal life took on her mental health, and those close to her say she is reluctant to expose her children to the same environment — particularly while they are still so young.
With Archie settled into school life and Lilibet growing up largely out of the public eye, insiders suggest Meghan sees little incentive to uproot her family for a country where she no longer feels welcome.
Public Opinion Remains Divided
Public reaction to Meghan’s continued absence from the UK remains sharply divided. While some royal fans express disappointment, others argue that her decision is entirely understandable given the level of criticism she has faced.
Social media discussions following news of Harry’s solo return reveal a familiar pattern: sympathy for Harry’s legal battles mixed with scepticism about the Sussexes’ long-term relationship with Britain.
For critics, Meghan’s absence reinforces the idea that she has fully turned her back on the UK. For supporters, it is simply a boundary — one drawn after years of intense pressure.
A Strategic Silence
Notably, neither Meghan nor her representatives have commented publicly on the speculation surrounding her return. This silence, experts suggest, is strategic.
Rather than fueling further debate, Meghan appears content to let royal commentators and tabloids speculate — while she continues to focus on her ventures and family life in the US.
Prince Harry, meanwhile, faces a challenging few weeks ahead as he prepares to give evidence in a case that could once again thrust his grievances with the British press into the global spotlight.
Looking Ahead to 2027
As things stand, the consensus among royal experts is clear: 2026 is not the year Meghan Markle returns to the UK.
If and when she does come back, it is likely to be:
Carefully planned
Short in duration
Focused on a specific cause rather than royal reconciliation
Until then, Britain may have to get used to seeing Prince Harry return alone — navigating legal battles, family tensions, and his complicated relationship with the country he once called home.
Whether 2027 will mark a turning point remains to be seen. But for now, Meghan Markle’s absence speaks volumes — and her next move continues to be one of the most closely watched unanswered questions in modern royal history.
