Concerns are growing inside royal circles as a legal expert predicts new complications for the monarchy linked to Meghan Markle next year plans. With King Charles signalling openness toward Prince Harry tensions appear far from resolved.
The King reportedly opened the door for reconciliation when he reunited privately with his younger son over tea in September. The quiet meeting was seen as a potential turning point in the strained relationship between father and son.
Prince Harry intentions to rebuild ties with the United Kingdom have not been hidden. Royal watchers believe the Duke of Sussex is eager to maintain a connection to his homeland and the institution he once served.
However the situation becomes far more complex when it comes to Meghan Markle. For months experts insisted the Duchess of Sussex had little interest in returning to the UK or re engaging with royal life.
That assumption shifted dramatically when Meghan appeared at Paris Fashion Week in October. The timing raised eyebrows as it came just weeks after the reported Clarence House meeting between King Charles and Prince Harry.
Palace aides were said to be unsettled by the move. Some insiders believe Meghan was testing a middle ground between her life in the United States and the royal sphere in Europe.
UK barrister and broadcaster Andrew Eborn has now weighed in on the situation. He suggested the royal family may deliberately distance themselves if commercial interests continue to clash with royal standards.
Eborn predicted more visits from the Sussexes to Britain could happen. However he stressed that any bridge building would come with strict boundaries especially regarding commercial use of royal titles.
According to the legal expert the monarchy is unlikely to tolerate royal branding tied to money making ventures. Using titles for profit is seen as incompatible with the purpose of royal duties.
He warned that if Meghan Markle continues to use the Duchess of Sussex title while promoting commercial projects tensions will escalate. This includes ventures connected to streaming deals and lifestyle branding.
Eborn was blunt in his assessment stating that the titles are what drive public interest. Without the royal connection he believes many ventures would struggle to attract attention.
The situation places the Palace in a difficult position. Stripping titles from Meghan or Prince Harry would be far more controversial than previous actions taken against other family members.
Public opinion remains divided and any drastic move could easily backfire. A significant portion of the public still supports the Sussexes which forces the royals to tread carefully.
As Meghan Markle next year plans continue to unfold experts warn the monarchy faces a delicate balancing act. Protecting royal integrity while avoiding public backlash may prove to be one of King Charles biggest challenges yet.
