Senior adviser’s return to London fuels fresh talk of more UK time for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could end up spending more time in the UK after their long-serving aide James Holt returned to London.
Holt has worked with the couple for almost a decade and is stepping back from day-to-day leadership at Archewell Philanthropies. Even so, he is staying on as a senior adviser and will continue overseeing their overseas humanitarian projects. His move back to the UK has naturally sparked renewed speculation about whether the Duke and Duchess of Sussex might follow, at least for extended visits.
Speaking to GB News, royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams said security arrangements and public opinion would be central to any decision about a return. He pointed to recent polling that showed Harry’s popularity in the UK at 28 per cent, with Meghan Markle’s at 18 per cent.
According to Fitzwilliams, that gap could make Meghan more reluctant to return, particularly given what he described as a hostile press environment. However, he suggested Harry’s ongoing legal push for a security review could change the picture if it results in full-time police protection similar to what he had as a working royal.
“If that happens, it would almost certainly lead to more visits to the UK,” Fitzwilliams said, adding that Harry’s involvement with the Invictus Games already brings him back regularly.
As for Holt, a spokesperson for the Sussexes confirmed he will remain closely involved with their work. While based in London with his family, he will continue as a senior philanthropic adviser and is expected to support the couple’s humanitarian trips overseas in 2026.
For now, there is no confirmation of a permanent move. Still, with trusted staff returning to the UK and security questions still in play, the door to more frequent visits appears at least slightly more open than before.
