Prince Harry’s possible return to the UK could create new challenges for Prince William and Kate Middleton, according to royal commentator Victoria Arbiter.
Royal insiders are reportedly concerned about what could happen if Harry and Meghan Markle become more active in the UK while William and Kate continue their royal duties.
Harry has remained focused on his charitable work while living in the US, and he could become even more involved once he spends more time in Britain.
According to Arbiter, the situation could create competition between the Sussexes and the future King and Queen, especially when it comes to media attention.
Royal engagements are usually carefully planned to avoid clashes between senior royals. However, Harry would be returning in a private capacity, which could make the situation more complicated.
“It becomes a conflict of interest for the monarchy,” Arbiter said.
Speaking to Nine.com.au, she added that clear boundaries would eventually need to be established over what Harry and Meghan do in the UK and how they present themselves.
Harry remains a prince by birth, even though he no longer works as a senior royal. Arbiter suggested that the palace may need to decide whether he should carry out his charitable activities simply as Harry Sussex to avoid confusion with working members of the Royal Family.
She admitted that finding the right balance would be challenging for King Charles and Buckingham Palace.
Arbiter also explained how Harry’s popularity could affect William’s public engagements.
For example, if William opens a community centre, Harry could potentially attract more media attention because of the continuing public interest in his life and his relationship with the Royal Family.
She also suggested that problems could arise if William takes part in an important diplomatic trip while Harry decides to visit another country for his own work at the same time.
The royal commentator believes William could be disappointed if such situations repeatedly created competition for attention.
Arbiter also discussed the long-running tension between William and Harry and the way the brothers have handled their differences.
She praised William for keeping his focus on his royal duties and said he has largely avoided responding publicly to the claims made by Harry and Meghan.
Apart from William’s comments following the Oprah interview, when he said the Royal Family was “very much not a racist family,” and the late Queen Elizabeth II’s statement that “recollections may vary,” the future king has mostly stayed silent.
According to Arbiter, William has continued with his work despite the criticism directed at the Royal Family.
She suggested that this silence may have frustrated Harry, particularly because William has chosen not to respond to many of the claims made against him and his family
