KEY POINTS

  • Prince Harry had "positive and productive" talks with William and Charles before returning to California, a royal expert says
  • Duncan Larcombe claimed the Duke of Sussex had "a real heart-to-heart" with his older brother
  • The royal author suggested Prince Harry may have had "mixed emotions" following their conversations

Prince Harry may be feeling "mixed emotions" following his recent trip to the U.K. after having conversations with Prince Charles and Prince William, a royal author and commentator has claimed.

Earlier this month, the Duke of Sussex flew to England and reunited with the royal family for the first time in over a year as they honored the life of the late Prince Philip and supported Queen Elizabeth II. Prince Harry then quietly arrived back on the West Coast on April 20, following nine days in his home country.

Duncan Larcombe, royal editor and author of "Prince Harry: The Inside Story," suggested the duke returned home feeling more confused than ever after reportedly having "peace talks" with his brother, his father and the Queen.

"I’ve heard Harry was feeling numb heading back to LA. You could see in his face at the funeral that he was torn," Larcombe told U.K. outlet Closer. "He didn’t think he’d have to face his family so soon – and when he did, he had mixed emotions."

"Apparently, talks with his dad and William were positive and productive – he and William had a real heart to heart before he returned. Coming home has reminded him of everything he’s sacrificed in recent years – and of the recent damage done," he continued.

Larcombe also weighed in on Prince Harry and Markle's potential future after they settled down in California and secured multimillion deals with Netflix and Spotify.

"Meghan’s in her element – she’s a former actress who worked in TV and film, and grew up in LA. She’ll be elated. Her dream was always LA," he commented.

"So these two feelings – Meghan excited for their future and Harry nostalgic for his old life – are bound to cause tension for them. I can’t see how Harry can live this new life and keep things harmonious with his family," he continued, adding, "He’s in for a very difficult ride. There could be tough times ahead."

Prior to Prince Philip's April 17 service, royal commentator Annabelle Sanderson suggested on Sky News Australia that it would be "probably wise" for Prince Harry to attend his grandfather's funeral alone, especially after the allegations he and Markle made against the royal family in their bombshell March interview with Oprah Winfrey.

"I think it's probably wise that Harry is coming to funeral on his own because after that interview, I think, there is a real need for some bridges to be rebuilt because a lot of people were deeply offended by not only what was said but also by the timing of the interview," Sanderson said.

Following the funeral, which took place at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, Prince Harry was spotted with Prince William and Kate Middleton. The royal trio exited the chapel together, and they appeared to be engaged in a conversation.

Body language expert Judi James suggested that there was a "genuine moment of unity" between the brothers during the service and that their actions were not "contrived for the cameras."

Another expert, Elaine Swann, also suggested that their behavior hinted at reconciliation. The way Prince William leaned in toward his younger brother was a "very hopeful sign" that their relationship has improved, she noted.

Prince Harry and his wife Meghan shocked their family by stepping back, moving to the US and giving a bombshell interview to Oprah
Prince Harry and his wife Meghan shocked their family by stepping back, moving to the US and giving a bombshell interview to Oprah AFP / Ben STANSALL