An expert says the appearance of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry during the Jubilee celebrations showed a 'deep rift' within the Royal Family. During their appearance at the monarch's thanksgiving service in St Paul's Cathedral Harry was visibly distant from brother Prince William.
As reported by the Mirror Online, Harry and Meghan were in the row for the service, which Her Majesty was not able to attend, having experienced discomfort during the celebrations the day before. And it's been claimed by royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were now "obviously outsiders" within the family.
He told the Express: "A deep rift with the Royal Family remains although a lot obviously went on behind the scenes to allow for their visit for the Platinum Jubilee celebrations. This follows their visiting the Queen before the Invictus Games began. It would benefit everyone if it could be healed and the royal family were united."
Read more: Kate and William issue statement over Louis' behaviour at Jubilee
Mr Fitzwilliams said it was "unsurprising" that the royal couple had decided to renew their lease on Frogmore Cottage in Windsor, providing them with a UK "base". Harry and Meghan had been expected to let the Frogmore Cottage lease expire after they left the UK for America, but they have committed to a new 12-month rolling deal.
Royal insiders believe the move could mean that the Sussexes plan to spend more time in Windsor. One insider told the Sun: “It is quite a signal that they aren’t going to disappear. They could easily give up Frogmore as their life’s now in California.
“By agreeing to extend the lease, and with Jack and Eugenie focusing on Portugal, they have a firm presence smack bang in the middle of the Windsor court where it’s all happening. They can now come and go any time they please.
“The coming year could be one of the most tumultuous in royal history and the Sussexes are making sure they have a foothold in Windsor.” A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: “Frogmore Cottage remains the UK home of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex.”
But Mr Fitzwilliams said he does not believe the Sussexes will make Britain their home. He added: “It was only over a year ago that they carried out their last royal duties and their strained relations with the Cambridges were on show for the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey.
“Then came their interview on Oprah, which was so destructive and their behaviour, whilst having found freedom as they see it in California, has been unpredictable to put it mildly. Their relations with the Cambridges remain distant.
"Their popularity ratings in Britain are dire. Harry’s memoir is supposedly due out later this year and there is a reported 'fly on the wall' documentary series for Netflix, though details are unclear.
"Their future obviously lies in the United States, but with periodic trips to Britain if relations with the royal family improve and if Harry is satisfied with security."
