Meghan Markle is preparing for another legal confrontation with her estranged half-sister, Samantha Markle. This ongoing dispute could complicate Prince Harry's efforts to reconcile with the royal family, according to royal experts.

The Duchess of Sussex's legal issues with Samantha arise more than two years after Meghan won an initial case against her. A royal expert noted that this new legal battle might hinder Harry's attempts to mend family ties. Ian Pelham Turner stated, "More legal disputes between Meghan and Samantha could break the fragile links between Harry and Meghan trying to establish a way forward. The royals are hyper-sensitive toward any legal issues in America, resulting in any more secrets coming out to the detriment of the royals in the UK."

Samantha Markle, who shares the same father as Meghan, previously sued her sister for allegedly making false statements during a 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey. In that interview, Meghan claimed she grew up as an only child, which Samantha argued was defamatory. The lawsuit, which sought $75,000 in damages, was dismissed in 2024, but Samantha has since appealed the decision. An oral argument is scheduled for September 9 in Jacksonville, Florida.

Hilary Fordwich, another royal expert, expressed concern about the implications of this legal dispute. She remarked, "There is nothing good about this for Meghan Markle. Her reputation is tarnished further by her own sister making such allegations. Whether true or not, it doesn’t matter, as neither way does it reflect well."

Samantha's lawyer, Peter Ticktin, criticized the dismissal of the lawsuit, stating, "The District Court judge, an Obama appointee, dismissed the lawsuit brought by Samantha Markle against her sister Meghan Markle, finding that there was no case. This decision was wrong, and now, we are tasked with convincing a three-judge panel of the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals of how our case was solid."

The ongoing family feud has raised concerns about its impact on Harry's relationship with the royal family. Experts suggest that public disputes could overshadow Meghan's efforts to improve her image, especially as she launches new projects like her lifestyle brand, As Ever, and her Netflix series, "With Love, Meghan."

Harry has expressed a desire to reconcile with his family, particularly in light of his father's health issues. He stated, "I would love reconciliation with my family. There’s no point in continuing to fight anymore. I don’t know how much longer my father has."

Despite these efforts, Meghan's legal troubles with Samantha may create further obstacles. Samantha's original lawsuit claimed that Meghan's statements during the Oprah interview were defamatory, alleging that they misrepresented their childhood relationship. However, a Florida judge previously ruled that Meghan's comments were opinions and not subject to defamation claims.

As the legal battle unfolds, the potential for reconciliation between Meghan and her family appears uncertain. Meghan has accused Samantha and their father, Thomas Markle, of selling stories to the press, which has contributed to the family's estrangement.

The upcoming court hearing could determine the future of this legal dispute, but for now, it remains a significant concern for both Meghan and Harry as they navigate their complex family dynamics.