Toward the end of her life, as the Queen dealt with serious illness, insiders suggest she felt increasingly isolated from her grandson. One acquaintance said the situation was “utterly devastating” for her.

A new rift — and the possibility of reconciliation?

The broader royal family also struggled with the strain, with some relatives reportedly blaming Meghan for the couple’s decision to step away from royal duties and share their story so publicly. A friend of Prince William suggested that many within the family saw echoes of Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson — a relationship that led to abdication and eventual exile in the 1930s.

Despite ongoing tensions, there are signs that Prince Harry may be seeking a way forward. Reports suggest he is considering making a solo trip back to the UK to reconnect with his family and potentially repair some of the damage.

According to one insider, Harry has accepted that navigating family issues without Meghan may be the only realistic option at the moment. “He’s not happy about it, but he sees that her presence only complicates things. If there’s any chance to fix what’s broken, it might have to start with him alone.”

Whether this leads to meaningful reconciliation remains uncertain. But the idea of Prince Harry returning to the royal fold — even partially — is no longer off the table.