As Prince Harry plans a big birthday bash getaway with his mates, your Mirror wonders if his upcoming 40th would be the perfect opportunity for the Sussexes to reunite with the Royal Family.

The milestone could well prove to be the start of a real thawing of relations, under immense strain since Harry and Meghan shocked the world by quitting working royal life and moving to the United States four years ago. But it appears all is not well in paradise, with it recently being claimed the former star royal has been growing more and more dissatisfied with his new life away from these shores.

A source, said to be close to the pair, told the The Sun: “Harry is feeling more and more isolated in California, which is why he has been reconnecting with old friends back home. The Colombia trip also really highlighted how Meghan is comfortable stepping into the spotlight, while Harry cuts a very sulky, unhappy figure in the background. He wants to carve out a way back into royal life back in the UK and is seeking counsel from old friends and associates.”

Meghan was the centre of attention during the couple’s public visit to Nigeria in May and then Colombia last month, with royal commentators feeling that the 43-year-old mum-of-two seemed more at ease in the role she has carved out for herself.

Rumours have been swirling that the Duke of Sussex has been seeking advice on how to make a return of sorts to the UK, and to the Royal Family fold – but claims that friends think Harry has lost his way have been disputed by some sources.

 

According to the Mail on Sunday, the Duke had turned away from his ‘Hollywood publicists’ and was texting former confidantes ‘from his old life’ on how to plan a return from the US.

But, according to the Daily Telegraph, multiple sources close to the Duke said he is happy and settled in California and has ‘no interest’ in returning to resume royal duties in the UK. They also said Harry has an ‘amazing’ new set of friends in the US and several projects on the horizon.

The Mirror previously reported how Meghan feels “not wanted” in the UK and fears being “thrown back into an anxiety-fuelled visit to England”. Harry ended up attending the Invictus Games 10th Anniversary Service at St Paul’s Cathedral on May 8, alone, after his wife reportedly had a “change of heart” about joining him with their children.

Harry reportedly pleaded with his wife, saying: “I don’t want to do this alone.” The Duke reportedly doesn’t fancy “keep making solo trips to the UK”, with a source explaining: “He would prefer it if the entire family made regular visits to see his family and build bridges, but there is so much going on behind the scenes that it just isn’t possible at the moment.”

There is still much work to be done to heal any rifts between Harry and the royals, but do you think his birthday is a good place to start?