Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, once the darlings of Hollywood and global media, are reportedly making frantic attempts to reconnect with the British Royal Family amidst swirling rumors that they could soon be forced to leave the United States. The couple, who famously dubbed their 2020 move to Los Angeles a “freedom flight” as they stepped down as working members of the Royal Family, now find themselves facing the prospect of a much less celebratory return to the UK.

In Netflix’s 2022 docuseries Harry & Meghan, Prince Harry proudly declared that their transatlantic move marked the beginning of their new, independent life. But just two years later, speculation is rife that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex may be boarding another “freedom flight”—this time in a desperate bid to flee the U.S. as political winds shift.

The uncertainty surrounding the couple’s future in America has been fueled by the possibility of Donald Trump’s return to the White House. A royal insider suggests that the Sussexes are now urgently trying to mend fences with the British Royal Family, fearing that a second Trump presidency could result in their deportation. Eric Trump, the former president’s son, recently branded Harry and Meghan as “spoiled apples” during a visit to Scotland, echoing his father’s earlier remarks that the couple might not receive “special privileges” and could face deportation if their visa status comes into question.

Prince Harry’s previous admissions of drug use in his memoir Spare have only added to the speculation. Under U.S. law, such disclosures could jeopardize his visa, raising concerns that the couple might soon find themselves without a legal basis to remain in the country.

In recent weeks, the Sussexes have made what some perceive as increasingly desperate overtures towards the Royal Family. Reports suggest that Prince Harry has been reaching out to his father, King Charles III, and expressing a desire to heal the rift that has plagued their relationship. However, these attempts at reconciliation appear to be met with a chilly reception, as evidenced by the King’s refusal to accept Harry’s phone calls.

Royal watchers have also noted a flurry of media stories sympathetic to Harry and Meghan in People magazine, a publication known to be friendly towards the couple. These articles highlight Harry’s anguish over the fractured ties with his family and his belief that their differences are not “irreparable.” Some close to the Royal Family see this as part of a broader effort by the Sussexes to rebuild bridges before it’s too late.

For the couple, who have enjoyed a lavish lifestyle in their nine-bedroom Montecito mansion, the stakes are higher than ever. With their financial future increasingly uncertain and their standing in the U.S. at risk, the pressure to secure a safe and stable environment for their family is mounting.

As the Sussexes navigate this uncertain period, the question remains: will their attempts to reconnect with the Royal Family succeed, or will they find themselves on yet another “freedom flight”—this time, back to the UK? The world watches with bated breath as this royal drama continues to unfold.