A senior royal expert has issued a stark warning over a potential “nightmare” scenario unfolding within the British monarchy, centering on a concerted effort to facilitate Prince Harry’s return to the UK. Richard Eden, the Daily Mail’s diary editor, expressed profound concern during the latest episode of Palace Confidential, describing a calculated “plot” that could destabilize the Royal Family and burden taxpayers.
Eden revealed that a critical review of Prince Harry’s security status in the United Kingdom, requested by the Duke of Sussex himself, is now underway. This development signals the most concrete step yet in what Eden termed “Project THAW”—a deliberate campaign to mend fractured relations and pave the way for Harry and Meghan’s re-entry into British life. The expert contends this initiative is backed by establishment figures aiming to reconcile the monarch with his son.
The security review, set for a decision in January, re-examines the Home Office’s 2020 ruling that stripped Harry of automatic taxpayer-funded police protection. Harry has consistently argued that the threat level against his family necessitates state security, claiming its absence prevents him from bringing his children to visit their grandfather, King Charles III. A reversal of the policy would represent a monumental shift.
However, Eden voiced horror at the prospect, warning it would open “a whole new can of worms.” He emphasized that Harry and Meghan remain “completely unrepentant” for their public criticisms of the institution and have offered no apologies. Granting them state-funded security, Eden argued, would reward their behavior and force hard-pressed British taxpayers to foot a significant bill for their return.
The potential for a “rival court” emerging in the UK was a central pillar of Eden’s alarming forecast. He suggested that a more permanent Sussex presence would inevitably divert media attention and public focus away from the working royals, particularly the Prince and Princess of Wales. This dynamic, he warned, could create internal conflict and public relations headaches for years to come.
“Look down the line what could happen,” Eden stated. “We could have eventually William becoming king, Katherine and William on the throne, and then you’ve got this rival court well established of Harry and Meghan back in Britain, getting the headlines, causing trouble. I just think that could be a real nightmare.” He urged that the views of the Prince and Princess of Wales be seriously considered in the security decision.
Eden linked the security review to Harry’s clear personal desires, noting the Duke has privately spoken of wishing for his children to be educated in Britain and to spend more time in the country. The expert interpreted the review not as a reflection of diminished threats, but as an acknowledgment of Harry’s intent to re-establish a base in the UK, a move he believes is supported by a king keen to see his grandchildren.
The controversy emerges amid other pressing royal concerns. The episode also detailed a fresh financial scandal involving the Duke of York, with reports revealing his daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, benefited from a heavily subsidized apartment in St. James’s Palace for years—a perk estimated to have saved the family millions. This “peppercorn rent” arrangement for non-working royals is facing renewed scrutiny.
Simultaneously, a heartbreaking family rift was underscored by the deteriorating health of Thomas Markle, Meghan’s father. Recovering in a Philippine hospital after a leg amputation following sepsis, Mr. Markle made a public plea to see his daughter and grandchildren. While a spokesman confirmed Meghan had “reached out,” communication has reportedly been limited to a physical letter after an attempted email failed.
In a lighter segment, the show highlighted Queen Camilla’s visit to the set of the Disney+ series Rivals, a show based on the novels of her late friend Dame Jilly Cooper. The Queen, a self-professed fan, toured the set and even participated in filming a scene, showcasing her support for the British film industry and paying tribute to the author.
As the year draws to a close, the Royal Family’s festive engagements continue, from the Princess of Wales’s beloved carol service to heartwarming charity events. Yet, the looming question of Harry’s return and its seismic implications for the monarchy’s future casts a long shadow, framing a potential constitutional and public relations crisis that one top expert views with sheer dread. The committee’s decision in January will be the next critical chapter in this unfolding royal drama.
