Prince Harry is heading into 2026 under mounting personal strain. A deepening disagreement with his wife, Meghan Markle, over a possible return to the United Kingdom has put new pressure on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s marriage.
Insiders tell RadarOnline that the dispute marks the most serious tension the couple has faced since stepping back from royal duties in 2020 and moving to Montecito, California, with their children.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s Britain return could be ‘breaking point for relationship,’ per source
According to insiders, the question of Britain once thought settled resurfaced forcefully toward the end of 2025 and has since become a deeply emotional fault line. Sources say Harry, 41, has grown increasingly focused on repairing family ties in the UK, particularly after a brief meeting with his father at Clarence House in September 2025.
An insider said, “Harry has become increasingly fixated on the idea of being back in Britain more often.” A source close to the duo described the dispute as “deeply emotional” and warned that it could “tear them apart.” The person added that the tension does not stem from a loss of affection or commitment.
Markle, 44, reportedly finds the idea of returning to the UK emotionally triggering and difficult.
The source claimed, “For her, the UK is bound up with some of the most stressful and painful periods of her life.” The person added, “The idea of returning triggers memories of constant scrutiny and emotional strain.”
Markle is focused on Hollywood, working on Netflix projects and growing her lifestyle brand, As Ever. The Duke, on the other hand, seems less settled. He stepped away from his Sentebale charity in March after reports of internal issues, and friends say this has added to his feeling of being out of place.
According to the source, talks about returning to Britain became more frequent between Harry and Markle over the Christmas period and into the New Year. Harry has spoken openly about reconciliation with the royal family, saying that he would “love” to reunite with them.
