Sovereign Harry has looked for counsel from confided in previous helpers in England on the most proficient method to plan a return from exile in the US, The Mail on Sunday can uncover.
Sources said the Duke of Sus𝓈ℯ𝓍 is counseling individuals ‘from his previous lifestyle’ as a functioning regal after supposedly becoming disappointed with exhortation from American-based picture specialists.
The suggestions mean the principal stage in a methodology to ‘restore’ Harry that would include him investing more energy in the UK to fix his relationship with his dad and possibly start a halfway re-visitation of the imperial overlay.
Sources stressed that Harry and Meghan, who have spent the past four years living in self-imposed exile in California with their two children, are not seeking a permanent return.
This newspaper can also reveal that the couple have parted company with yet another American PR adviser. Christine Weil Schirmer joined the Sus𝓈ℯ𝓍es in 2020 as head of communications but left quietly late last year.
Prince William and Prince Harry walk beside each other after viewing the floral tributes for the late Queen Elizabeth II outside Windsor Castle
Prince Harry and Meghan during their trip to Columbia earlier this month
Prince Harry and Meghan pictured with their children in December 2021
She is the tenth staff member to have left the couple in three years and last month took up a job with PR giant Brunswick advising clients on reputation management.
Last month, it emerged that the Sus𝓈ℯ𝓍es’ chief of staff Josh Kettler had suddenly quit his job after scarcely three months.
‘Harry is turning away from all sorts of Hollywood publicists and is seeking counsel from his old friends and associates,’ said a source.
‘He is clearly reaching out thinking, “I need to do something different because what I’m doing is clearly not working”. In short, he is rethinking the way he operates.’
Prince Harry’s representatives did not respond to a request for comment.
Ending his rancorous feud with his brother William is not seen as a realistic goal, but last week this newspaper revealed that the King may be open to healing the rift with his youngest son, and had consulted with faith leaders as he explores the nature of forgiveness.
At least one of the advisers approached by Harry is a trusted figure ‘from the old school’ known for loyalty and discretion.
One friend has already devised a strategy for how Harry might begin moving in UK circles again – even carrying out ‘very low-key royal duties’ – although the Duke is said to be open to ideas from many sources.
A source said the friend ‘believes if Harry comes back to the UK with zero fuss, and does zero publicity and attends very mundane events, he could prove himself and win over the British public again.
Sources said the Duke of Sus𝓈ℯ𝓍 is consulting people ‘from his old life’ as a working royal after allegedly growing dissatisfied with advice from American-based image experts
Prince William and Prince Harry arrive for the unveiling of a statue of their mother, Princess Diana in July 2021
Prince Harry and Meghan during their trip to Columbia this month
The Duke and Duchess of Sus𝓈ℯ𝓍 attend the ‘Afro Women and Power’ forum in Cali, Colombia, on August 18
Prince Harry at the Unidad Recreativa El Vallado in Columbia on August 18
Meghan and Prince Harry at the Unidad Recreativa El Vallado on August 18 in Cali, Colombia
He would have to accept, though, that he might be reduced to ribbon cutting for a long period. But it would give him purpose to work again.’
But the source said it would only happen ‘if certain members of the family could find it in themselves to allow it’.
Independently, the Duke, who turns 40 this month, has sent propitiatory messages to various lifelong companions in the UK on WhatsApp. They are prepared to assist him with smoothing a way back to England, with some alluding to their errand as Activity Bring Harry In From The Virus.
Companions are trusting the Duke’s previous confidential secretary Edward Path Fox could initiate a rebound. One said: ‘In the event that anybody can make it happen, Edward can. Last time I saw him I needed to take him by the shoulders and say, “Ed, if it’s not too much trouble, bring our kid home”. It’s the ideal opportunity now.’
Gotten some information about harrying, Mr Path Fox told this paper: ‘It’s not something I have a view on I’m apprehensive.’
Despite the fact that Harry’s relationship with his sibling is dreaded unsalvageably harmed, the Duke has appeared to be less disenchanted of late.
To his family’s alleviation, he has ruled against refreshing his caustic diaries, Spare, for its soft cover version, due out on October 24, and won’t be giving meetings to promote it.
