The Duchess of Sussex did not accompany Prince Harry during his latest visit to London.
Meghan Markle’s possible return to the UK remains uncertain as Prince Harry carries out a five-day visit to Britain without his wife and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
The Duke of Sussex has previously raised concerns about his family’s safety in the UK. Harry and Meghan lost access to full-time, taxpayer-funded police protection after stepping back from their roles as senior working royals in 2020.
According to reports, Harry has been exploring private security arrangements that could make it possible for Meghan and their children to join him on future visits.
His latest trip has also reportedly faced several complications. Harry’s legal efforts to regain publicly funded security were unsuccessful, while a reported offer of accommodation from Buckingham Palace was later withdrawn.
Amid the continued uncertainty, Meghan has been advised to think carefully about how any future UK appearance could affect her public image and growing business interests.
Brand and culture expert Nick Ede said the Duchess faces a difficult balancing act. While her royal title gives her considerable international recognition, it also keeps her closely connected to the institution she has worked to establish herself outside of.
“Meghan has worked hard to establish herself outside the institution, yet she continues to use the Duchess of Sussex title, which remains one of the most valuable assets in her personal brand,” Ede said.
He suggested that Meghan should adopt a clear long-term strategy for her public identity.
“If Meghan wants to build a lasting global lifestyle empire entirely on her own terms, then gradually placing less emphasis on the royal title would demonstrate confidence in the strength of her own name,” he added.
In recent years, Meghan has increasingly presented herself as an entrepreneur and lifestyle figure. That transition has included the launch of her lifestyle brand, As Ever, as she continues to develop a career beyond her former role in the Royal Family.
