Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly determined to win back the UK’s public support with “low-key” public events as part of their UK comeback, according to a friend of the couple
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly hatching a plan to regain the affection of the UK public, according to a close friend of the couple. This week saw the Duke and Duchess of Sussex make their first major public appearance since their return to Britain in August, with a visit to Nottingham where less than 200 people turned up.
While Harry has been seen at various public events across the UK in recent months, this marked Meghan’s first outing since the family’s summer return. Despite initial nerves about the reception they might receive in Nottingham, it appears that Thursday’s visit was well received.
From the moment their car arrived, the couple were greeted with cheers, embraces, handshakes and gifts. It’s thought that this warm welcome delighted Meghan and Harry, who, as per a friend, are keen to win over the UK through “low-key” public appearances.
This strategy also aims to charm those who may harbour criticisms of them. As reported by The Daily Mail, a friend of Harry and Meghan told the Daily Mail’s Editor at Large Alison Boshoff: “They are making efforts to re-enter slowly with humility and hope to win support that way.
“There is no intention to thumb a nose at the King or cause irritation. This sort of work is what makes Harry happy, it is in his DNA. It is nothing to do with relations with the Royal Family.”, reports the Express.
The friend added: “They can achieve great support for charities and intend to do so. There will be more days like [Thursday] going forward.” He expressed that “people want the old Harry”.
It appears that Harry and Meghan are now on the hunt for a new property in the UK, hinting at a shift from renting to buying. This suggests that their relocation to Britain could indeed be a long-term plan for the family.
This would align with the fact that Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five, are currently enrolled in UK schools. A friend revealed to The Daily Mail that Meghan will be stepping up her property search “soon.”
They added: “I know that they have an agent looking at what is available for them in terms of houses and he is sending everything which might suit to their team to look at virtually. I think it’s about to go up a notch.”
The timing and nature of Harry and Meghan’s next joint public engagement in the UK remain unknown. However, it’s understood that the couple are fully committed to continuing their charitable endeavours while in the UK.
Rumour has it that Meghan is pouring a significant amount of her energy into her As Ever brand, which recently unveiled a holiday collection. While currently only available to US customers, whispers suggest that select items may soon be sold in the UK.