Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s return to Britain could create fresh tension with King Charles and Prince William, according to royal expert Jennie Bond.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex reportedly arrived in the UK with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, on Wednesday.
Bond believes the couple will begin making public appearances once they have settled in, potentially drawing attention away from the work of senior members of the royal family.
“One of the biggest challenges facing the working royals at the moment is the very real prospect of their work being overshadowed by anything the Sussexes do, at least whilst we all get used to them being back in the UK,” she told the Mirror.
Bond said the increased attention surrounding Harry and Meghan could become a source of frustration for both Charles and William.
“And that’s a distraction that will annoy the King and, especially, William,” she added.
The royal commentator predicted that coverage of the Sussexes and the working royals may be treated as a competition over the coming months, particularly as Harry seeks greater publicity for the Invictus Games.
“Until the novelty of having him and the family back in the UK wears off, it’s a competition that Harry will probably win,” Bond said.
She added that the intense interest in Harry and Meghan could result in less coverage for the royal family’s official duties, charities and public campaigns.
Harry and Meghan had been living in California with Archie and Lilibet before their reported return to Britain earlier this week.
