In the latest episode of the Daily Mail’s Deep Dive podcastVeteran royal reporter Richard Kay joins host Chris Pleasance to discuss the potential fallout from Harry and Meghan’s surprise return to Britain.
Senior Editor-at-Large Kay, who covered the royal family for more than forty years, the specter of the Sussexes’ homecoming has been raised, leading to a ‘rival courts’ scenario, with those close to the monarchy forced to choose sides.
He suggested that figures would rally around Harry and Meghan, and given that there is currently ‘no relationship’ between the prince and his brother William, a split in royal circles seems all the more likely.
The family landed in Britain by private jet on Wednesday, just a week after news broke of their intention to return. The couple are reportedly renting a house in the Cotswolds, with Archie and Lilibet reportedly enrolled in schools in the area.
On the latest episode of Deep DiveRichard Kay joins host Chris Pleasance to discuss the potential fallout from Harry and Meghan’s surprise return to Britain
Senior Editor-at-Large Kay raised the specter of the Sussexes’ homecoming, leading to a ‘rival courts’ scenario, with those close to the monarchy forced to take sides
“This whole case opens up the prospect of rival courts,” Kay said Deep dive.
‘By that I mean that there will be figures coming together around Harry and Meghan and there will be people who will remain loyal to William and Catherine, and I think of the king and the queen.
‘That will be an issue that the royal family as an institution will be concerned about.
‘Is Harry going to put together some kind of Praetorian guard of people who will support him? Maybe give interviews, let people know what they are doing? That would be worrying.
‘When Harry arrived in America, many A-list celebrities were fascinated by this disgruntled prince and wanted to get to know him. I think the same will apply now.
‘People will be fascinated by what happens next. This kind of rivalry between him and William, the unresolved issues… I hate to say it, but for the royals it will be a huge distraction from what they are doing.”
Elsewhere in the podcast, Kay said the “most extraordinary development” of the past week was that news of Harry and Meghan’s return appears to have blindsided the king.
Reports suggest Charles was only aware of his son’s intentions three days before the decision was made public, despite the pair having met privately in Highgrove just six weeks earlier.
Kay suggested that figures would rally around Harry and Meghan, and given that there is currently ‘no relationship’ between Harry and his brother, a split in royal circles seems likely.
Kay said the sense of surprise is “classic Harry and Meghan,” who have a track record of upsetting the family.
“It’s staggering,” the veteran royal reporter began.
‘Harry and Meghan must have searched schools and properties. You can’t do these things in isolation, people need to know.
‘Was the king blinded? It certainly seems that way. It seems incredible that he was only told this almost at the last minute.
‘The whole thing is kind of a classic Harry and Meghan piece, it’s how they approached their lives. They’re constantly trying to catch people hopping.
‘They present situations as: this is it. It’s not: ‘we’re coming home, should we have a discussion about that?’ It’s: ‘We’re coming home – live with it.’ Point.’
Listen to the full episode as Kay discusses how Harry can win back the audience by searching for Deep Dive wherever you get your podcasts.
