Meghan and Harry face blunt criticism over UK return as commentators question their intentions

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have faced a fresh wave of criticism over their return to the UK, with TalkTV presenters questioning whether the couple can simply resume their lives in Britain as though the events of the past six years never happened.

The comments came during a discussion that also focused on Sarah Ferguson, who has reportedly been approached about giving a tell-all interview. Her potential return to the spotlight was described as a major development, particularly given the scrutiny surrounding the Royal Family.

The discussion drew a direct comparison between Ferguson and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, with royal commentator Dickie Arbiter accusing all three of putting their own interests ahead of others.

Jeremy Kyle questions Harry and Meghan’s return

TalkTV presenter Jeremy Kyle said he would be interested to see whether Harry and Meghan ultimately decide to remain in the UK.

The couple’s return, he suggested, would not necessarily mean they could simply pick up their lives from where they left off six years ago.

“People have got long memories,” Kyle said, arguing that Harry and Meghan would have to demonstrate that their return had real substance.

He also said they would need to prove themselves and apologise to members of the Royal Family for what he described as their previous criticism of them.

The question of whether Harry and Meghan will stay in Britain permanently also remains a point of speculation. Kyle said he could not predict whether Harry would stay, Meghan would leave, or whether the couple would ultimately leave together.

His broader criticism was that Harry, Meghan and Ferguson could all be accused of putting their personal interests first.

‘It’s always their interests first’

During the discussion, Dickie Arbiter delivered the five-word assessment that became the sharpest criticism of the couple: “It’s always their interests first.”

Arbiter, who previously served as press secretary to Queen Elizabeth II, went on to accuse the trio of entitlement.

“We don’t care about anybody else,” he said, describing what he saw as a sense of entitlement and arguing that the British public and commentators were capable of making their own judgments.

The remarks came as the programme turned its attention to the possibility of Ferguson giving a major interview.

Sarah Ferguson’s potential tell-all interview

Kyle questioned who would be willing to give Ferguson the kind of high-profile interview she could be seeking.

Arbiter said he would not be surprised if American broadcasters showed interest, pointing to Harry and Meghan’s 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey as an example.

He argued that American interviewers had historically been more sympathetic toward British royals and suggested Ferguson could receive similarly gentle treatment.

Arbiter also criticised what he anticipated could be Ferguson presenting her own version of events and portraying herself as a victim despite acknowledging her privileged position.

The possibility of Ferguson speaking publicly has attracted attention as she returns to the UK after spending time away from the public eye. Recent reports have also suggested that she is preparing for a return to Britain.

Kyle compares Ferguson’s prospects with Prince Andrew

Kyle said he had read reports suggesting Ferguson believes she can rebuild her relationship with the British public.

He said he had met her several times and questioned what a return to public favour would actually mean.

Kyle went further, saying he did not believe Ferguson would be able to recover her public standing, just as he did not believe the Duke of York would.

He also suggested that financial pressure could be a factor behind a decision to take part in a television interview.

“If you’re desperate for money, you do a TV interview,” Kyle said, warning that such a decision could ultimately prove disastrous.

He compared the potential situation with the Duke of York’s appearance on Newsnight, describing that interview as a very bad decision.

The reference was particularly pointed because Ferguson’s potential television appearance would put her back at the centre of intense public scrutiny.

Harry and Meghan face an uphill battle in Britain

The criticism of Harry and Meghan comes as their return to the UK marks a significant change after six years in the United States.

Recent reports have confirmed that the couple have returned to Britain with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, and are now settling into private life in the country.

Their return has already prompted renewed discussion about their relationship with the Royal Family and whether their presence in Britain could lead to improved family ties.

For now, however, the comments from Kyle and Arbiter underline the scale of the challenge facing the couple as they attempt to establish their next chapter in the UK.

Arbiter was unequivocal when asked about Ferguson’s position, describing her as being in “cuckoo land” and calling the situation delusional.

The debate therefore leaves Harry, Meghan and Ferguson facing the same fundamental issue raised throughout the TalkTV discussion: whether the public will accept their return on their own terms, or continue to judge them according to everything that has happened before.