After six years of raising their family in California, the next chapter for Prince Harry and Meghan includes returning to the U.K. for an extended period at a non-royal residence. Their six-year estrangement from the Royal Family - and the possibility of reconciliation - reflect dynamics that are relatable to many non-royal families.
Family estrangement is becoming common in American families. Last year, a YouGov poll found that 38% of Americans adults say they are currently estranged from either a sibling, a parent, a child, a grandparent or a grandchild. Included in that poll, which surveyed 4,395 U.S. adult citizens, 16% of respondents said they are currently estranged from a parent.
Florida State University's Nari Jeter is a licensed marriage and family therapist and an associate teaching professor in human development and family science. She has become a nationally recognized relationship expert who has been featured in USA Today, Newsweek, SELF Magazine, HuffPost, Fox News and more.
In 2020, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex' estrangement from the Royal Family began due to several factors, including lack of palace support and constraints within the family that led to their decision to leave for the United States. According to Jeter, family dynamics where there is disagreement are relatable to families outside the spotlight.
"What's especially familiar is the in-law dynamic," Jeter said. "When a family doesn't fully welcome a new partner, the person in the middle feels torn - to protect their spouse and translate actions on both sides. Often, that person feels like they can never win and keep both sides content, so they give up. This is where estrangement follows; it's a way of reducing the immediate conflict within them and their family."
Within the same YouGov Poll, individuals estranged from a child (70%) or grandchild (66%) were more likely to say they would consider reconciling with their family member. For Prince Harry, he remains estranged from his brother, William - The Prince of Wales. The Sussexes are expected to remain private citizens while in the U.K. However, there is a possibility of healing the family rift with his father, King Charles III.
The pathway to reconciliation, according to Jeter, often begins with humility and acceptance.
"Most reconciliation that I've seen starts with someone recognizing that wanting to be 'right' isn't working," Jeter said. "There is humility in recognizing that they could have done some things wrong or hurtful, even unintentionally. They don't completely give up their views, but they accept that the other person can see things differently and it doesn't have to be a threat to the relationship."
