

Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!
Thank you for signing up to Marie Claire. You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
- This year, royal fans were shocked by news that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were stepping back from their roles as senior working members of the royal family.
- According to royal expert Ingrid Seward, Queen Elizabeth II sees Harry as a "prodigal son" and she will "welcome him home with open arms" if he changes his mind about his royal exit.
- Seward also says that it's unlikely the Queen will ever criticize Harry and Meghan's decision, even privately with other members of the royal family.
Prince Harry stepped back from his role as a working, senior royal this year—but that decision doesn't have to be permanent.
In an interview with Sky News this week, Majesty magazine Editor-in-Chief Ingrid Seward weighed in on Harry's royal exit—and how the Queen really feels about it behind-the-scenes.
"I think she's looking at Harry like the prodigal son, that he will come home and she will welcome him home with open arms," Seward explained, according to The Sun. "I think she's very loathed to criticize anything he's doing."
And, according to Seward, that "no criticism" policy would extend to other members of the royal family, as well as the press and the public.
"Privately, she might feel very sad about it but she will never ever comment on it, even probably to her family," Seward said. "She would keep her feelings very much to herself."
For now at least, Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, are reportedly very happy with their decision to step back from royal life.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
Related Stories
Marie Claire Newsletter
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!

Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with more than 10 years of professional experience. Her byline has appeared in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, The Atlantic, Allure, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, Bustle, Refinery29, Girls’ Life Magazine, Just Jared, and Tiger Beat, among other publications. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
-
Inside One of the Most Exclusive and Dazzling Health Spas in the U.S.
The Golden Door in Southern California costs tens of thousands of dollars for a weeklong stay—and donates 100 percent of its proceeds to nonprofits.
By Michelle Stansbury
-
Kendall Jenner’s Hair at the Schiaparelli Fashion Show Was Easily Six Inches Tall
The model and 818 founder closed the runway.
By Samantha Holender
-
Red Is the Color for Fall Fashion, But It Also Belongs in Your Makeup Routine
Red lipstick is just the beginning.
By Emma Walsh
-
George, Charlotte and Louis Will Be Laden With Gifts as Prince William Returns From New York
He was handed so many souvenirs for the little ones.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William Makes Sure to "Treat George and Charlotte as Equals," Body Language Expert Says
I should hope so!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William Isn't "A Workaholic Like His Father," Royal Expert Claims
He's got more of a work-life balance.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate's New "Signature" Gesture? The Stealthy "Bum Pat" to Prince William
Love this for her.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry Says His "Spirit Is Renewed" as He Attends the Warrior Games for Wounded Service Members in San Diego
The Games inspired his Invictus concept.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William Not Expected to Invite Prince Harry to His Coronation, Friend Claims
That doesn't sound good.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
We Finally Know Where the Earthshot Prize 2023 Will Take Place
Let's go!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Princess Kate Is Seen Skipping Happily With Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte in Behind-the-Scenes Footage
This is too cute.
By Iris Goldsztajn