Prince William left 'slightly aghast' by Prince Harry's decision to return to UK with his family

Prince William will be feeling additional "pressure" following Prince Harry's decision to return to the UK, a royal expert has claimed. 

Author Robert Jobson tells HELLO! that the Prince of Wales must "be feeling slightly aghast", with the Sussexes expected to touch down in Britain later this month. 

Robert said that Harry and Meghan's decision to return would be both a comfort to the King, as a chance to reconcile with his estranged son, but a source of confusion for the monarchy.

He said: "I feel that William must be slightly aghast by the whole thing. The prodigal son coming back will be difficult for him. Harry's move puts pressure on him to act in a more pragmatic way."

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King Charles was informed of the Sussexes' decision on Sunday before he arrived at Balmoral and is understood to welcome the opportunity to see more of the family. 

However, the couple's decision raises the question of how the Prince and Princess of Wales will meet the news.

Will Prince Harry and William reconcile now he's returning to the UK?

Robert said that it was hard to imagine how William and Harry would attend family events together in the wake of all that's happened. 

The brothers are not believed to be in contact and were last in the same room together in 2024 at their uncle Lord Fellowes's funeral. However, they reportedly kept their distance. 

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"Are they really going to have William and Harry sitting round a table with all that's gone on?" Robert asked. 

"Perhaps the King is hoping that it will be a chance for reconciliation. We've had the noise of Megxit. Now we have Regretzit."

How has King Charles reacted to Harry's return news?

The King has now been aware of Harry and Meghan's decision for several days. He is said to be looking forward to spending more time with the family; however, there remains no option for the couple to become "half in, half out" royals.

"If the King has been blindsided by it, he will be upset. But it does mean he can try to embrace Harry into the fold, and maybe give Harry a role," Robert explained. 

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"If Harry is going to get full security, as he has been demanding, he's going to have to be embraced as a royal again."

Nevertheless, Robert believes the return will cause "confusion" for their role in the royal family: "Whatever they do will be seen as semi-royal. Perception is everything, and this causes confusion.

"It's going to be very difficult for the King. On one level he will reconnect. On another level it will make things complicated for him. It will muddy the waters. If you give Harry an inch, he takes a mile."

Why are Harry and Meghan returning to the UK now?

Robert said that he could only guess at Harry's motivation to return to the UK instead of continuing to pursue life in California.

He said: "Could it be his visa, money, declaring tax? They're not doing very well in the US.

"They're saying it's for the children's education, but I don't believe that. I think it's financial and to do with his position as a royal."

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He said that a return to royal duties had a precedent in the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, who had pursued private ventures in television and public relations before they "came back into the royal fold".

He added: "I think it's a bigger decision than it just being Harry's turn or it being about the kids. Basically, they've had a bit of a difficult time with their ventures, and they need a role."

The Sussexes will keep their homes in Montecito, California, and Portugal, while the duchess will continue to run her lifestyle brand, As Ever, from their new base.

It is not yet known whether she will begin undertaking charity visits as a non-working royal or embark on other ventures.