Prince Harry and Meghan Markle plan to extend 'Megxit' deal: Report

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly preparing to extend their royal exit deal with Buckingham Palace, which is set to expire on March 31, 2021. The couple is expected to discuss their plans with the senior royals in January before Harry flies to the United Kingdom (if COVID restrictions allow it) early next year for face-to-face talks about the subject. According to a report from The Sun, sources told the outlet that the talks are said to be "less confrontational" than the ones that went down at the family's Sandringham summit in January 2020.

Reportedly, Harry and Meghan's top priorities in the talks are to keep their royal patronages. It was widely reported that Harry was devastated to lose his military titles as part of the couple's initial royal exit deal. The military roles Harry used to hold have been kept vacant since the royal exit and are expected to remain unfilled until at least next summer, however, leaving open the possibility that he could negotiate to get at least some of his military titles back.

Also see: From Harry & Meghan Markle's wedding to Megxit- a timeline of the royal exit

"Harry regrets losing those titles and keeping them open for as long as possible keeps that olive branch out," a top aide said of the situation. "Don’t be surprised if they are not filled even after March 31."

According to royal biographer Andrew Morton, the Sussexes' relationship with the rest of the royal family is on the mend and they would like to return as a family for some big milestones in 2021 if travel restrictions are lifted and it's safe to do so. Some of the upcoming royal events Harry and Meghan (and their son, Archie Harrison) would reportedly like to be present for include the Queen's 95th birthday on April 21, Prince Philip's 100th birthday on June 10, and the unveiling of a Princess Diana statue on July 1, on what would have been her 60th birthday.

"Although they will do some of it by Zoom, Harry wants to meet face to face to tie it all up," Morton explained. "Things seem to have calmed down. Harry has been in contact with the Queen more often than you would think. But certain things you need to be there in person to sort. They will need a few weeks. That could be done after April, depending on COVID."

In October 2019, after announcing a six-week break from royal duties at the beginning of November and the couple spent Christmas away from the rest of the royal family.  Shortly after their return from vacation, the Royal couple announced that they were working to become "financially independent" and will be taking a "step back" from the royal family.