Prince Harry has “no interest” in royal duties as insiders say claims of a UK return are false.
There has been speculation that the Duke of Sussex wants a fresh start with his loved ones in the UK and even to return as a senior Royal.
This has come after he made an effort to maintain contact with old friends, coupled with an evident desire to repair his relationship with the King.
But well-placed sources told the Telegraph that the rumours are untrue, saying that Harry is happy and settled in California with “amazing” friends and several projects coming up.
The Prince has kept in contact with a group of trusted advisors in the UK that he turns to for advice. They too were surprised at the idea he could return to the Royal Family.
The Mail reported there was a “blueprint” outlining how Harry might return, claiming certain “friends” want a central figure to lead a “comeback campaign”.
The Duke’s former private secretary, Ed Lane Fox, was reportedly named as the ideal candidate. The former Household Cavalry captain now sits on the board of the Invictus Games.
But the security issue remains key, with UK visits all but ruled out amid claims that it is too dangerous for the Duke to return with no automatic police protection.
He is awaiting a date for his appeal against a High Court ruling after failing to successfully challenge the Government’s position.
Prince Harry did manage to fly in and out of the UK unnoticed to attend the funeral of his uncle, Lord Fellowes, in Norfolk last month. This may pave the way for more frequent homecomings.
Although the Duke’s attendance was kept under wraps, it demonstrated that he could come and go with minimal fanfare and, therefore, minimal security risk.
The visit also showed that the Duke wants to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with his family.
Those close to him maintain that, despite the ongoing rift, he is happy and determined to look forward. Harry has plans for a New York trip, the next Invictus Games and more overseas tours.