Prince Harry is plotting his return from exile by enlisting the help of former royal aides to spearhead his “rehabilitation” strategy, a report has claimed.
The Duke of Sussex, 39, is reportedly becoming increasingly dissatisfied with Hollywood publicists and is turning to allies closer to home to recover his reputation.
Harry has seen his popularity dwindle further after the release of his Megxit memoir Spare in January 2023.
YouGov’s latest royal net favourability poll put Prince Harry’s rating at -30 per cent, with Meghan Markle even further behind on -40 per cent.
The Sussexes attempt to regain support was dealt two major blows in recent months, with Chief of Staff Josh Kettler quitting after just three months and Christine Weil Schirmer opting to join PR agency Brunswick.
However, insiders close to Prince Harry claim the Duke of Sussex is reaching out to familiar faces to address the problem.
The couple are not seeking a permanent return but could look to an extend an olive branch to members of the Firm.
A source told The Mail on Sunday: “Harry is turning away from all sorts of Hollywood publicists and is seeking counsel from his old friends and associates.
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Meghan MarklePA“He is clearly reaching out thinking, ‘I need to do something different because what I’m doing is clearly not working’. In short, he is rethinking the way he operates.”
At least one of the advisers approached by Prince Harry is described as an “old school” figure known for loyalty and discretion.
It has even been suggested that the Duke could opt to undertake “very low-key royal duties”.
A source said that one pal “believes if Harry comes back to the UK with zero fuss, and does zero publicity and attends very mundane events, he could prove himself and win over the British public again”.
Prince Harry released Spare in January 2023PAThe Duke has reached out to a number of old friends in the UK, with some dubbing his latest plan Operation Bring Harry In From The Cold.
However, former private secretary Edward Lane Fox said: “If anyone can do it, Edward can.
“Last time I saw him I wanted to take him by the shoulders and say, ‘Ed, please bring our boy home’. It’s the right time now.”
Lane Fox added: “It’s not something I’ve got a view on I’m afraid.”
Prince William and Prince Harry kept their distanceGettyHowever, the latest interaction between Prince Harry and Prince William did little to improve their “frosty” relationship.
The pair attended Lord Fellowes memorial service on Thursday but were not reportedly keen to interact with one another.
Despite his fraternal feud with brother Prince William still ongoing, Prince Harry appeared to make a decision to prevent the rift between the Sussexes and the Firm going any further.
The father-of-two decided against updating his memoir Spare and will not be giving interviews ahead of the release of its paperback edition on October 24.
GB News has approached the Sussexes for comment.