Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s reported return to Britain has triggered a wave of reaction in the United States, with some social media users even speculating — inaccurately — that the move could somehow place the Sussexes closer to the throne.

In reality, Harry remains well behind Prince William and William’s children in the line of succession. It would take an extraordinary and highly unlikely chain of events for Harry to become King and Meghan to become Queen Consort.

That has not stopped some American commenters from imagining a far more dramatic royal future.

‘Meghan Will End Up on That Throne’

On the Washington Post Facebook page, some users reacted to the news with predictions that went well beyond the realities of the succession.

“Good for them….. Mark my words, Meghan will end up on that throne sooner or later,” Ed Bohan wrote.

Kathleen Lubrano added: “Let the Game of Thrones Begin.”

The comments came as reports suggested Prince William was furious about the Sussexes’ unexpected decision to return, with King Charles reportedly informed only on Sunday.

Harry and Meghan’s children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are said to have already been enrolled in English schools ahead of the new academic term in September.

The family reportedly intends to live in a new residence outside London while continuing to retain their homes in Montecito, California, and Portugal.

Some Americans Question Why the Sussexes Are Returning

Much of the reaction focused less on royal succession and more on why Harry and Meghan would make such a significant reversal after building a life in the United States.

Julia Taylor questioned what might be behind the decision.

“There is always a scheme with Meghan, and where ever she goes he follows like a puppy dog,” she wrote. “Nobody does a 180 degree turn around unless there’s something big in it for them.”

Taylor also raised questions about the couple’s finances, pointing to the cost of maintaining properties in multiple countries and Harry’s recent legal setback in Britain.

“If they are losing income in the US, and remember that Harry just lost a major lawsuit in the UK, how do they afford to maintain multi million dollar homes in the US and Portugal AND purchase a third home in the UK?” she wrote. “They are up to something.”

Her comments reflect speculation rather than confirmed information about the Sussexes’ motives or finances.

‘They Have to Return While Charles Is Still Around’

Another commenter, Beverley Spence, suggested the timing of the reported move could be connected to King Charles.

“They have to return while Charles is still around,” she wrote. “He’s too soft. I imagine William would have dealt with the idea differently.”

Spence also speculated that Harry and Meghan could eventually secure the kind of “half in / half out” royal arrangement that Queen Elizabeth II rejected when they stepped back from official duties.

“They will get the ‘half in / half out’ that the Queen put a stop to,” she claimed.

There has been no confirmation that such an arrangement is being reconsidered.

Other Reactions Were Far Less Enthusiastic

Not every American commenting on the news appeared particularly invested in the Sussexes’ return.

Some users on the Washington Post Facebook page responded with short dismissive remarks including “Good riddance,” “Toodle-oo!” and “Run out of money I see.”

Others simply asked: “Who cares?”

Reaction on the Fox News Facebook page was similarly critical.

Kathy Everhart wrote: “I think they thought they could be royalty in CA….and maybe entertainment moguls. But none of that worked out.”

Another commenter, Malena Dawn Ramey, summed up her lack of interest by writing: “I haven’t given a crap about the royals since Princess Diana.”

Harry Becoming King Is Highly Unlikely — But Not Historically Impossible in Principle

Although claims that Harry is somehow preparing for the throne are unsupported, British royal history does contain examples of younger brothers unexpectedly becoming monarch.

The most famous modern example is King George VI, the grandfather of King Charles III.

George VI became King in 1936 after his older brother, Edward VIII, abdicated less than a year into his reign so he could marry American divorcée Wallis Simpson.

That historical precedent helps explain why some observers may see succession as less fixed than it appears.

But Harry’s current position is very different. Prince William and William’s children remain ahead of him, meaning any path to the throne would require circumstances far beyond the reported decision to move back to Britain.

For now, the strongest reaction across the Atlantic appears to be less about succession and more about what Harry and Meghan’s return says about the life they built after leaving the UK — and why they are choosing to come back now.