2023 proved to be a nightmare year for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle – and in hopes of bringing good luck for 2024, we’re told that the Sussexes are planning the ultimate shock U-turn and considering returning to the UK for a “truce tour”.

From the backlash of Harry’s controversial memoir, Spare, to varying recollections over their “near-catastrophic” car chase, the last 12 months have been a series of setbacks for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Indeed, it seems Meghan, 42, and Harry, 39, have seen their star power decline. The duo were even named on The Hollywood Reporter’s biggest losers of 2023 list, with donations for their Archewell foundation plunging by nearly £10m in the last year alone.

But after it emerged before Christmas that Prince Harry was to be awarded £140,600 in damages for his phone-hacking case against the Daily Mirror, things could be looking up. As a judge ruled that there was “extensive” phone hacking by the tabloid between 2006 to 2011, Prince Harry hailed the occasion “a great day for truth.” Now, we’re told that the former working royal is hoping his court case ruling may bring sympathetic shoulders his way.  

Our source says, “Harry is hoping the momentum of his recent court win will encourage certain members of the monarchy to empathise with him more. He hopes to sit with King Charles and other key members of the Firm in the new year and enlist their support as the case moves forward.”

Rather than the usual flying visit – Harry spent less than 48 hours in the UK for the King’s coronation – we’re told that their next trip to London will be more extensive, with Harry looking to mend his fractured relationship with his family.

“He wants Meghan by his side as they line up meetings to air their grievances and make peace in a non-confrontational way. For all their bravado, 2023 was a nightmare year, and they can’t face being any more unpopular than they already are. It’s time to cut losses, repair rifts, and ensure those titles don’t go anywhere,” reveals our source.

However, for Meghan and Harry to be welcomed back into the royal fold, some burned bridges will need to be rebuilt. Rumours of a royal feud have swirled for years since Harry and Meghan stepped back as senior working royals, moving across the pond in 2020 to pursue a more private life with children Archie, four, and Lilibet, two.

A number of bombshells have been dropped following the duo’s departure – including Meghan telling Oprah that members of the royal family raised “concerns” about the colour of Archie’s skin, with Harry also branding Camilla Parker-Bowles, 76, a “dangerous” woman. With once private matters made public, the Sussexes have near shattered the royal mantra of “never explain, never complain.” To top it off, it was reported last month that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex could see their titles stripped by the government in new proposed legislation.

Now, we’re told the pair are willing to swallow their pride to get their family back with the hope of securing their titles for the future.

“Behind closed doors, Harry and Meghan are still as bullish and righteous as they’ve ever been, and they strongly believe they’ve been victimised and misunderstood. For all their issues and setbacks, they believe that they’re on the right path and karma will prevail. But at the end of the day, they’re also pragmatists, and it’s become painfully apparent that their image has taken a major battering from all these public tussles with the monarchy,” our source explains. “At the end of the day, it’s fruitless to try and take on the juggernaut of the royal family’s PR department. They need to approach their relationship with the royals from a chess playing perspective, looking at the long game rather than settling scores. Rightly or wrongly, it’s 100 percent apparent that a lot of people have decided to slide against them and support the royals and they’ve come out of it very much second best. Now, instead of fighting head on, they’re taking a step back and trying a new approach. It means biting their lip, keeping their heads down, and eating a large slice of humble pie.”

With the couple planning to extend an olive branch and fly to the UK in the near future, we’re told that planning is already underway. And most importantly, it’s hoped Archie and Lilibet will come too, giving Charles and the other royals the chance to spend some long-awaited time with the little ones.

Our source says, “Harry hates the idea of heading over without being assured an audience with certain people, his father especially, so he’s reached out and asked for dates. Harry intends to look his father in the eye and apologise for hurting his feelings, and he’s even willing to do the same with Camilla. He’s had Meghan’s assurance that she and the kids will be by his side when the trip is lined up. They’re hoping before the end of January, schedules permitting.”

But while King Charles, 75, might be willing to welcome his youngest son with open arms, we’re told that Harry faces a tougher battle when it comes to big brother Prince William, and sister-in-law Princess Kate.

Explaining that the situation with the Prince and Princess of Wales, both 41, is “more complicated,” our source reveals, “William has let it be known that he has no interest in coming face to face with Harry for the foreseeable future, and Kate feels similarly towards Meghan. The Sussexes are hoping they’ll soften in time.”

And with the duo ready to wave the white flag and end their crusade, Harry and Meghan are feeling worried at what the next few months could bring.

“They’re nervous about this trip, but they did a lot of brainstorming and concluded with their team that it’s the right thing to do,” we’re told. “At this point, they need to repair and reconcile. They need to let everyone see that they can be the bigger people in moving towards lasting peace. It’s a real change in strategy, but it’s one they hope will help their cause in the long run – on both sides of the pond.”