'I worked for Royal Family – three obstacles will stop Harry and Meghan staying in UK'

'I worked for Royal Family – three obstacles will stop Harry and Meghan staying in UK' Dickie Arbiter believes the Sussexes could move abroad again, arguing that there are three reasons why Harry and Meghan may not last long living in the UK A return to Britain does not mean a return to royal duties for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle – and a former palace spokesman believes that distinction could help send them abroad again. Dickie Arbiter, who was once told he'd be fired for his comments to Andrew, has questioned whether the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will stay in the UK, pointing to the absence of an official royal role, Harry's expectations over his return and his desire to be involved in next year's Invictus Games. The couple have been back from California for barely a month. But speaking on the At Home with Vanessa podcast, Arbiter suggested their stay could prove short-lived. He argued that Harry may still hope to regain a place within the working Royal Family, despite King Charles making his position clear. Arbiter, who also acknowledged that Harry was a "very good soldier", said: "I think he also thinks that he might be able to work around his father to get him back in the fold, but his father's made it very clear there ain't no job for you. You're on your own, son." A letter sent on the King's behalf reportedly confirmed that the Sussexes would remain "private citizens", rather than resume official engagements. It also made clear that they could not use their His and Her Royal Highness titles. The correspondence was reportedly circulated to Harry's team, government departments, military officials and Lord Lieutenants. For Arbiter, that lack of a formal role is one reason the family may decide against settling in Britain. Another is the gap between what Harry may have expected from his return and the arrangements he faces. The former Buckingham Palace spokesman suggested Harry might have anticipated a warm welcome, the security he wanted and a route back to royal duties. He said: "Well, he got a comeuppance when he was told that nothing had changed from the 2020 Sandringham Summit, in the January of that year, that he's not a working royal. He chose to opt out, he chose to be financially independent and he's not a working royal." Speaking about what the UK means to him last year, Harry said: "Britain is, and always will be, the country I proudly served and fought for." Harry and Meghan announced their decision to step down as working royals six years ago. His protection arrangements have since been the subject of a dispute over taxpayer-funded security. Sources close to the couple told the Daily Mail that a ruling by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (Ravec) on Harry's protection would influence whether they remain in the UK. Their return was itself unexpected, according to Arbiter, who worked in the palace press office between 1988 and 2000 and later wrote On Duty with the Royals: The Inside Story of the Modern Monarchy. Asked by host Vanessa Feltz whether he was surprised, he said: "Surprised about coming back? I think everybody was surprised. Even the King was surprised because he didn't know when they had tea at the beginning of July. Nothing was said. And he only learned three days before they arrived that they were coming back." As well as security and the lack of a royal title, Dickie's third argument centres on the Invictus Games, which he believes are a key motivation for Harry's move. With the event taking place in Birmingham next July, he suggested the duke's immediate focus may not translate into a lasting commitment to life in Britain. He said: "I don't believe for a moment they will last in the United Kingdom. I think one of the main reasons Harry's come back is that he wants a hands on with the Invictus Games which is in Birmingham next year, July. I'm not sure the organisers want him too hands on, but they'll welcome his presence to publicise it."