Prince William and Kate Middleton are said to be preparing themselves for potential difficulties as speculation grows about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle returning to the United Kingdom. A royal commentator has suggested the Prince and Princess of Wales may sense that challenging moments lie ahead, especially with renewed rumours surrounding the Sussexes.
Talk of a possible return has circulated for weeks. Sources claim Harry and Meghan could come back to Britain this year in connection with the Invictus Games. A summer event is expected to mark one year until the 2027 Games in Birmingham. Harry founded Invictus in 2014 as a sporting competition for wounded and injured military personnel. Meghan has attended previous Games and related engagements, making their appearance at the upcoming milestone event a realistic possibility. There are also reports that Harry would like to open the 2027 Games alongside King Charles, adding another layer of royal significance to the occasion.
A new appointment at Kensington Palace
Against this background, reports have emerged that William and Kate have brought in Liza Ravenscroft, a communications professional with crisis management experience. According to the Mail on Sunday, she joined the Kensington Palace team after being recommended by Julian Payne, a former communications secretary to King Charles and Queen Camilla.
One source suggested her arrival reflects a period of adjustment behind palace walls. They claimed it comes at a time when there is a desire for closer coordination between Kensington Palace and Buckingham Palace, particularly as attention slowly shifts toward William’s future role as king. Another source, however, stated that Ravenscroft’s position is not officially a crisis response role but part of the standard press and communications team.
Commentators see warning signs
Daily Mail royal commentator Richard Eden has speculated that hiring someone with crisis expertise may indicate that William and Catherine are preparing for potential complications ahead. He suggested that stories about a Sussex return place pressure on King Charles and the wider royal family to welcome Harry and Meghan back into the public fold, despite unresolved tensions following interviews and allegations made in recent years.
Eden also claimed that what he called a public relations push may be underway to rebuild the Sussexes’ standing with the British public. In his view, while Ravenscroft’s current role may be routine, her professional background could become increasingly relevant if royal relations face renewed strain.
Kensington Palace has been contacted for comment on the reports.
Harry’s possible return to London
Separately, Prince Harry is expected to return to the UK next week for legal proceedings. He is due to give evidence in a High Court case against the publisher of the Daily Mail as part of a privacy lawsuit involving several high profile figures, including Sir Elton John and Liz Hurley. The hearings are scheduled to begin on Monday, January 19.
Despite this visit, reports suggest Harry will not see his family. King Charles is expected to remain in Scotland for his post Christmas break, while William and Kate are also travelling north for royal engagements during the same period.
For now, all eyes remain on whether a brief legal trip could mark the beginning of a more significant royal return later in the year.
