PR expert issues six-word warning to Royal Family about Harry and Meghan reconciliation

Hannah FurnellSun, September 6, 2026 at 9:00 AM UTC

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A PR expert has issued a six-word warning to the Royal Family about reconciling with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle amid their return to the U.K.

The Duke, 41, and Duchess of Sussex, 45, returned to the U.K. on August 26, more than six years after they left their royal duties and their "HRH" titles behind and moved to the U.S. They have reportedly settled in the Cotswolds near London amid their relocation plans and their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, are set to begin school in September.

Since The Daily Telegraph broke the news of their move, Harry and Meghan have remained silent, as have the Royal Family, amid growing speculation about reconciliation. However, whatever gesture King Charles and other royals eventually make toward Harry and Meghan, public relations specialist Grayce McCormick at Lightfinder Public Relations advises they keep it private.

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McCormick told The Express US that she would "absolutely encourage" the Royals to make gestures "but privately" to ensure that moves toward reconciliation aren't perceived as performative.

The biggest warning she can give them? "Real reconciliation doesn't require a photographer," she said.

A PR expert has warned the Royal Family about their potential reconciliation with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle (Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

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The PR expert explained, "If relationships are actually being repaired, let them be repaired off-camera. One of the worst things they could do now would be to make reconciliation look performative through staged photographs, strategic leaks, or some grand public gesture."

McCormick also advised the Royal Family to "especially avoid" forcing anything publicly with Prince William "if that relationship improves naturally, wonderful," but the expert added, "But trying to create a visible reconciliation because the media wants one could make things worse."

If Harry and Meghan plan to release a statement about their relocation, McCormick advises keeping it "simple and human." She added that Harry and Meghan should avoid "a big emotional statement" because it risks turning a family decision into "another Sussex media event."

When asked if Harry and Meghan need to make a statement ASAP, McCormick replied, "I actually don't think they do."

The PR expert explained, "Sometimes PR people become so afraid of a communications vacuum that they fill it unnecessarily. In this case, a big emotional statement risks turning a family decision into another Sussex media event.

"If they say anything, I'd keep it simple and human: they're happy to be spending more time in Britain as a family, they're looking forward to this next period in their children's lives, and they appreciate people respecting the children's privacy."

However, after that, McCormick advises the couple to "stop talking," adding, "No revisiting 2020. No explaining who was right. No coded references to earlier grievances."

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A PR expert also said Prince Harry and Meghan shouldn't need to make a statement on their U.K. return (Image: UK Press via Getty Images)

From a communications standpoint, McCormick said keeping quiet has "greater impact than a polished statement about a 'new chapter.'" She added, "The challenge is that Harry and Meghan aren't returning to a blank slate. They're returning to a country where people already hold firmly established opinions about them."

McCormick noted Ipsos polling earlier this year, which found Harry's favorability among British people at about 30% and Meghan's at 23%. Meanwhile, 55% still said they preferred Britain to remain a monarchy.

The specialist added, "I don't think their communications strategy should be, 'How do we make Britain love us again?' That could backfire. The better question is: How do we live here in a way that gradually makes the old narrative less relevant?"

McCormick added, "They need consistency. Harry already has long-standing relationships with British charities and causes. Show up. Do the work. Support people. Let the public see a quieter, useful presence over time.

"For Meghan, I think the key will be keeping a clear boundary between her commercial work and her relationship to the Royal Family. She can absolutely continue her businesses and creative projects.

"Still, if every royal interaction appears beside a product launch or media announcement, critics will immediately revive the argument that royal proximity is being monetized."

Ultimately, McCormick said Harry and Meghan's best communications strategy is "counterintuitive. Talk less. Explain less. Demonstrate more."

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle returned to the U.K. in August (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

She added, "They're walking back into one of the most aggressive media environments in the world, and there will be enormous pressure to respond to every news headline and every perceived slight. They shouldn't.

"I've seen throughout my career that once someone begins responding to every story about them, eventually the response becomes the story.

McCormick concluded, "Harry and Meghan can't control whether every British newspaper welcomes them back. They can control whether, six months from now, the narrative is still dominated by family issues - or whether people have become accustomed to seeing them live their lives, do meaningful work, and keep private family relationships private. And frankly, normalcy may be their most effective rebrand of all."

While King Charles is reportedly pleased, he's also likely concerned and "worried" about how other royals are handling it amid their fractured relationship with Harry and Meghan. That's why former royal butler Grant Harrold believes the couple will have to tread carefully upon their return.

Speaking to CasinoHawks, Harrold, who worked for Charles at Highgrove from 2004 to 2011, said, "If it all goes nicely and there are no upsets, I think the King will invite them for Christmas. I don't think it's out of the question.

"But they need to behave. They will have to come quietly and do their own thing. Public opinion will have to believe they are here for the right reasons."

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