Former Royal Press Secretary Discusses Prince Harry and Claims 'There Is No Possibility' of Return

Former Buckingham Palace press secretary Dickie Arbiter has said there is 'no possibility' of Prince Harry returning as a working royal, offering his assessment after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex returned to Britain with their children. Arbiter's remarks, published on 6 September, were not a new announcement from King Charles or Buckingham Palace.

For context, Harry and Meghan stepped back as working members of the royal family in 2020. Buckingham Palace said in February 2021 that the couple had confirmed they would not return as working members and that stepping away meant they could not continue the responsibilities and duties associated with royal public service. The Royal Family's website continues to describe them as having stepped back from official roles.

Dickie Arbiter Rules Out Working Royal Return

Arbiter, who worked in the Buckingham Palace press office from 1988 until his retirement in 2000, told the Express that he did not believe Harry could simply resume an official royal role after years outside the institution. Arbiter served as a press secretary to Queen Elizabeth II and also handled media relations involving the then Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales.

Asked about the prospect of Harry returning as a working member of the royal family, Arbiter replied: 'There is no possibility.'

He also argued that Harry's departure and subsequent public criticism of the royal family had damaged trust. Those comments reflect Arbiter's opinion as a former Palace official and royal commentator. They do not establish the current private views of Charles, Prince William or serving Palace officials.

Arbiter further said he believed the King remained committed to the arrangement under which Harry and Meghan are no longer working royals. Buckingham Palace has not issued a fresh statement cited in the report saying Charles has personally reconsidered or renewed the 2021 decision since the Sussexes returned to Britain.

The distinction is significant because Harry's return to the UK does not, by itself, change his official status. The Royal Family's website continues to identify Harry and Meghan as having stepped back as working members, while the February 2021 Palace statement remains the clearest formal account of that arrangement.

Reports in August said Harry and Meghan were returning to Britain with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet for an extended stay, with the family expected to live in a non-royal residence outside London. More recent reporting has confirmed their return. There has been no accompanying Palace announcement that they will resume official royal duties.

Family Contact Remains Separate From Official Duties

Arbiter also distinguished between Harry's position within the institution and his private relationship with his father. His comments suggested that family contact or reconciliation should not automatically be interpreted as evidence that Harry could resume royal service.

The former Palace press secretary also discussed speculation about whether Harry could take part in major national events, including the Cenotaph service on Remembrance Sunday. The Express cited an unnamed former Palace source as saying an official role for Harry at the event was 'not an option.'

That claim has not been publicly confirmed by Buckingham Palace. The unnamed source's comments should therefore be treated as an assessment of how existing arrangements might apply rather than as a formal Palace decision about Harry's attendance or participation.

Attention is also likely to turn to the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027. Harry is the founder and patron of the Invictus Games Foundation, while the Birmingham Games are officially scheduled to run from 10 to 17 July 2027.

Asked about possible involvement by Charles, Arbiter suggested that a video message could be easier to manage than a joint public appearance. His comments were speculative, and no Palace announcement cited in the report confirms that the King will attend the Games or send a message.

Arbiter also expressed scepticism about reconciliation between Harry and William and discussed how any commemoration of the 30th anniversary of Diana, Princess of Wales's death in 2027 might be handled. His remarks represented his assessment rather than an announced plan involving either brother.

Arbiter addresses the modern monarchy and Harry's split from the royal family in his forthcoming book, On Duty With the Royals, which is due to be published on 10 September.

His comments offer a former Palace insider's assessment of Harry's position, but the formal record remains unchanged: Harry and Meghan are not working members of the royal family.