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Prince Harry’s long-awaited hopes of smoothing over relations with the Royal Family could be facing a fresh hurdle, as Meghan Markle is reportedly preparing for a return to Britain armed with a list of requests that insiders claim is already causing friction between the couple.
The Duchess of Sussex, 44, is said to be considering travelling to the UK this summer with Harry, 41, and their children Archie, six, and Lilibet, four, marking her first visit since Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in 2022 .
While the trip could signal a major step forward for the Sussexes, sources suggest tensions are brewing behind the scenes, with Harry allegedly worried that Meghan’s lavish demands could risk overshadowing his attempts to rebuild family bridges .
The ‘Hollywood Rider’
According to insiders, Meghan has drawn up what’s being described as a “Hollywood-level rider” ahead of the potential visit, including requests that have left Harry deeply uneasy about how they might be received by his relatives .
The reported demands include:
- Use of the Princess of Wales’s trusted glam squad, including hairstylist Amanda Cook Tucker and make-up artist Arabella Preston
- Two Norland-trained nannies to match the standards used by William and Kate
- A dedicated stylist for Archie and Lilibet with a six-figure clothing budget
- Private chefs and a yoga instructor during their stay
- Celebrity stylist Law Roach for public appearances
- Staying at Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace, the Waleses’ former London residence
- Extensive “non-toxic” preparations, from kitchenware to chemical-free linens
Security Concerns
Security remains another major sticking point. Amid the couple’s ongoing legal battles over protection in the UK, Meghan has reportedly demanded eight ex-military or special forces bodyguards for herself and Harry, plus three personal guards for each child, alongside access to royal armoured vehicles .
It remains unclear whether the family will be granted Metropolitan Police protection, and reports suggest Meghan is unlikely to return without that assurance .
Harry’s Warning
Harry, who returned to the UK last month for a court appearance and reunited with King Charles over tea last September—their first face-to-face meeting since early 2024—is said to be desperate to rebuild bridges .
“Harry is not happy at all. He’s warned Meghan that pushing these demands could completely destroy any chance of repairing relations with his family,” a source claimed . “He’s effectively read Meghan the rule book, and even if she has to grit her teeth, he needs them both to be at their best.”
Fragile Relations
Relations between the Sussexes and the Prince and Princess of Wales remain fragile following Harry and Meghan’s dramatic royal exit in 2020. Tensions appeared to reach fever pitch when Kate Middleton was pictured seemingly glaring at Meghan at the late Queen’s 2022 funeral .
Meghan is expected to join Harry in Birmingham to kick off the one-year pre-launch of the Invictus Games, taking place in the West Midlands city in July 2027—the event where their romance famously debuted in 2017 .
“This visit could be make-or-break,” a source said . “One wrong move and there may be no way back, for their royal future or for their relationship with the family. And if William and Kate hear what Meghan is asking for, they’ll be horrified.”
