Harry&Meghan: RUNNING OUT OF TIME?

AFTER SIX YEARS OF BAD BLOOD-AND PRINCE HARRY'S FAILURE TO THRIVE OUTSIDE THE ROYAL FAMILYA DESPERATE MEGHAN REACHES OUT TO HER ESTRANGED SISTER-IN-LAW KATE. BUT IT MAY BE TOO LATE.

THE royal family is shrinking. Just 15 members of the monarchy appeared on the Buckingham Palace balcony during June 15’s Trooping the Colour, the annual celebration that usually sees dozens of aristocrats in the line of succession and their families waving to the crowds. But that’s how King Charles III wants it, in keeping with his plans for a slimmed-down monarchy — and his heir, Prince William, plans to keep the culling going once he’s wearing the crown. “When the older members of the family retire,” a friend of the Prince of Wales told one news outlet, “His Royal Highness won’t be inviting anyone else to become working royals.”

Or, perhaps, inviting anyone back. And sources tell Star that Prince Harry and wife Meghan Markle, who left their roles as senior working royals in 2020 after being told they couldn’t have the half-in, half-out life of duty they desired, are alarmed that the clock is ticking on their chance of reconciling with his family — and regaining their royal status. “At first they were just so relieved to cut ties with The Firm that they were indifferent to Charles’ slimmed-down monarchy plans,” says a source. “They were too busy starting a new life in America.” But now, as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex realize “life on their own is harder than they thought,” says the source, it could already be too late for any reconsiderations. “They’re running out of time if they ever want to reestablish their royal standing.” The door is closing, with the 75-year-old sovereign facing a short reign — as Star has previously reported, he was given two years to live after being diagnosed with cancer last winter — and William waiting in the wings.

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