The prospect of Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, resuming his role as a working member of the Royal Family seems increasingly unlikely, according to royal expert Hugo Vickers. Vickers suggests that the Duke's current path and public image are at odds with the vision and actions of his father, King Charles.

This sentiment arises in the wake of Prince Harry's recent visit to the UK, his first in 19 months, during which he met with King Charles for a brief 55-minute "private tea." This meeting, sandwiched between the King's official duties, has sparked speculation about a potential reconciliation and a possible return to royal duties for Harry.

However, Vickers firmly believes that a "half-in, half-out" arrangement for Harry is simply not viable. He argues that Harry's presence often attracts significant media attention, much of which is controversial, creating a stark contrast with the more traditional and carefully managed approach of the King and other working royals.

The concept of a "working royal," which gained prominence around the time of Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee, refers to those members of the Royal Family who dedicate themselves to official duties and public service, rather than pursuing independent careers or ventures.

Vickers emphasizes that King Charles is committed to upholding the traditions and expectations set by his late mother, Queen Elizabeth, who believed that members of the Royal Family should either be fully dedicated to royal duties or pursue their own paths independently. This principle leaves little room for compromise or a hybrid role for Prince Harry.

While Vickers acknowledges the importance of personal reconciliation between father and son, he maintains that there is little desire within the Royal Family or the British public to see Harry return as a working royal. He suggests that Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, have made their choice to forge their own path and pursue their own endeavors in America.

The expert contends that allowing Harry to return on a part-time basis would be unfair to the British taxpayers, who support the Royal Family, as well as to the other working royals who are fully committed to their duties. He believes it would also be unfair to the King, who is striving to maintain the integrity and stability of the monarchy.

Vickers commends King Charles for his steadfast stance on the issue, asserting that denying Harry a "halfway house" role is a positive step that aligns with the wishes of the late Queen Elizabeth and protects the long-term interests of the monarchy. He believes that Harry should either fully commit to royal duties or continue on his current path independently.

According to Vickers, the King's position on Harry's potential return will likely not come as a surprise to the Duke, as it has been made clear to him that he cannot simultaneously be a working royal and continue to pursue his own ventures with Meghan in America.

Despite these challenges, Vickers believes that Harry will likely continue to engage with charities in the UK, an area where he has received extensive training and has demonstrated a genuine commitment. However, he emphasizes that this engagement is unlikely to be in an official capacity as a working member of the Royal Family anytime soon.

The decision of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to step back as senior working royals in 2020 sent shockwaves through the Royal Family and the British public. Their announcement marked a significant departure from tradition and raised questions about the future of the monarchy.

Royal correspondent Katie Nicholl suggests that Prince Harry has long desired an exit from the Royal Family, having expressed on multiple occasions his wish that he had not been born a prince. She believes that he is now living the life he truly wants, albeit with the unfortunate consequence of strained relationships and public scrutiny.

In their initial announcement regarding their decision to step back, Harry and Meghan stated their intention to "carve out a progressive new role within this institution" and to "work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen."

They expressed their desire to balance their time between the United Kingdom and North America, allowing them to raise their son with an appreciation for royal tradition while also providing their family with the space to focus on their next chapter, including the launch of their new charitable entity.

The couple's decision to step back was driven by a desire for greater autonomy and control over their lives, as well as a desire to escape the intense media scrutiny and restrictions that come with being a senior member of the Royal Family.

Their departure has undoubtedly had a significant impact on the Royal Family, leading to a restructuring of royal duties and a reevaluation of the roles and responsibilities of working royals.

The ongoing debate surrounding Prince Harry's potential return highlights the complex and evolving nature of the British monarchy in the 21st century. It underscores the challenges of balancing tradition with modernity and the need for the Royal Family to adapt to changing social norms and expectations.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not Prince Harry will ever return to royal duties rests with the King and the Duke himself. However, the prevailing sentiment seems to be that a full-fledged return is unlikely, given the Duke's current path and the King's commitment to upholding the traditions of the monarchy.

The situation serves as a reminder of the personal sacrifices and challenges that come with being a member of the Royal Family, as well as the enduring power and influence of this historic institution.

As Prince Harry continues to navigate his new life outside of the Royal Family, his relationship with his father and the rest of the Royal Family will undoubtedly remain a subject of public interest and speculation.

The future of the monarchy hinges on its ability to adapt and evolve while maintaining its core values and traditions. The decisions made regarding Prince Harry's role will undoubtedly shape the future of the Royal Family for generations to come.

You can delve deeper into the dynamics within the Royal Family and explore the implications of Prince Harry's departure by reading the original article on The Sun's website.