Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly looking for an extension to their royal exit deal

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's royal exit deal is set to expire next year

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex smile during their visit to Canada House
(Image credit: Photo by DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal exit deal is believed to expire next year, but now some have suggested that the couple are looking for an extension. 

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped down as senior royals earlier this year, with an agreement of terms with the Royal Family. It is understood that the couple’s royal exit deal is set to expire in March 2021, with some predicting that it is “quite likely” they will lose their HRH titles

Now some sources have claimed that the couple are reportedly preparing to enter discussions regarding a possible extension to their royal exit deal.

How might Prince Harry and Meghan Markle get an extension to their royal exit deal?

According to The Sun, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex are expected to make “friendly video calls to senior royals next month” before Prince Harry flies back to the UK (covid-19 travel restrictions permitting) for face-to-face talks. 

It's been reported that talks are said to be “less confrontational” than at the family summit that took place at Sandringham in January 2020. 

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales attend the Commonwealth Day Service 2020

(Image credit: Photo by Phil Harris - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

What changes might Prince Harry and Meghan Markle be hoping for?

The Sun reports that the Duke and Duchess are said to be keen to keep their royal patronages. Alongside this, Prince Harry’s sadness at the loss of military titles as part of the royal exit deal has been widely reported. 

These military roles are believed to have been kept vacant since his and Meghan’s exit and it is thought that they will remain unfilled until next summer at the earliest. 

This then leaves open the possibility at least that Prince Harry could perhaps try and get some of his military titles back. 

The Sun reports that an insider has supposedly revealed how: “Harry regrets losing those titles and keeping them open for as long as possible keeps that olive branch out.”

They added: “Don’t be surprised if they are not filled even after March 31.”

How has Prince Harry’s relationship with the Royal Family changed?

Whilst some have suggested that there has been a so-called “rift” between Prince Harry and his older brother Prince William, others now believe that Harry’s relationship with his family has grown closer in recent months.

Royal biographer Andrew Morton has been reported as suggesting that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle would like to return to the UK for several upcoming significant royal events, if covid-19 travel restrictions allow it. 

These occasions supposedly include the Queen’s 95th birthday on April 21, Prince Philip’s 100th birthday on June 10 and also the unveiling of a statue of Prince Harry’s late mother, Princess Diana, in July.

Princess Diana with sons Princes William and Harry

(Image credit: Photo by Anwar Hussein/Getty Images)

According to The Sun, Morton said: "Although they will do some of it by Zoom, Harry wants to meet face to face to tie it all up."

He added: "Things seem to have calmed down. Harry has been in contact with the Queen more often than you would think”.

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Diana: Her True Story - In Her Own Words by Andrew Morton

This Sunday Times Number-One Bestseller was first published in 1992 and helped change the way the public viewed the British monarchy. Today Princess Diana continues to fascinate so many people across the globe and here, readers can gain new insights into her life. 

Morton also reportedly explained that: “certain things you need to be there in person to sort. They will need a few weeks. That could be done after April, depending on covid."

As 2021 approaches, it remains to be seen what kind of decisions might be made regarding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal exit deal.

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!