Phil Dampier revealed the first thing Meghan and Harry should do to get redemption

MEGHAN Markle and Prince Harry won’t get the “year of redemption” they are hoping for in 2024, according to a royal author.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are said to be planning to have a fresh start, after backlash last year for their Netflix documentary and Harry’s bombshell biography Spare.

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Meghan and Harry are said to be ‘hoping for a year of redemption’ in 2024Credit: Getty

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The Prince and Princess of Wales stepped out on Christmas Day with their kidsCredit: Splash
Speaking exclusively to Fabulous, Phil Dampier claimed: “Harry and Meghan have let it be known that they see 2024 as their year of redemption, to which my reaction is good luck with that.

“It’s a trite phrase dreamt up by their Hollywood PR people and in reality means very little.

“Actions speak louder than words and the Sussexes need to do things which will convince the public on both sides of the Pond that they want to redeem themselves, not just talk about it.”

On Christmas Day, we saw the rest of the royal family – including King Charles, Prince William and Kate Middleton – attend church in Sandringham.

For the first time in years, Sarah Ferguson was among the guest list, which Phil claims sent a strong message.

He explained: “The royals put on a show of unity at Christmas, with even Prince Andrew’s ex-wife Fergie being allowed to walk to church and join them for lunch.

“The message was clear – everyone was welcome except Harry and Meghan.”

Phil claimed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex won’t be able to “compete” with the Prince and Princess of Wales.

He added: “I think the penny has finally dropped with them [the Sussexes] that they can never compete with an ancient institution admired around the world, particularly the good will still lingering from the late Queen’s reign.

“William and Kate have never been more popular and the Sussexes can’t hold a candle to them.

“Even in America people are fed up with their constant moaning and want them to do something positive.

“Just turning up at the occasional charity event or being seen at concerts and baseball games isn’t enough.”

Speaking of their 2024 plans, Phil speculated: “There are no Invictus Games this year – Harry’s one success story – so that won’t help him.

“She will probably relaunch herself with some sort of lifestyle business similar to Gwyneth Paltrow, and let’s hope she goes down that route rather than writing her own book, which would be another bombshell for all concerned.

“But she is clearly planning big things for herself, maybe in film or TV production, or even some acting.”

If the couple do want to “redeem” themselves, Phil said they should start with repairing their relationship with Meghan’s dad Thomas Markle.

He added: “If they truly want to redeem themselves they should get down to Mexico and see her father Thomas Markle before it’s too late.

“Whatever he did in the past he surely doesn’t deserve to never see his grandchildren.

“Harry has never met him and I think the way he has been treated is cruel and sadistic.

“The King is also being deprived of seeing Archie and Lilibet, and that is also unfair.”

It’s thought the couple may move home from Montecito to get themselves closer to Hollywood.

A source told US Weekly: “Harry and Meghan think 2024 will be the year of redemption” – with Meghan apparently turning down offers of work “left, right and centre” and Harry also in “extremely high demand”.

And Meghan has enlisted Beverly Hills talent agency William Morris Endeavour ahead of her long-planned relaunch in the New Year.

The source added: “They’ve actually been shocked by how popular she is. Her team has never seen anything like it.”

They claim she is being approached about everything from film roles to multi-million-dollar endorsement deals with major brands.

Reports of an acting comeback came after the duchess appeared in a playful Instagram ad for a coffee company, a firm she holds shares in.

The cameo appearance sees the former Suits star doing multiple roles at coffee company Clevr Blends, including packing, working on the digital team, and on the operations team.

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Sarah Ferguson waved to crowds while walking to church on Christmas Day with Prince AndrewCredit: AFP

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The once-dubbed Fab Four attending church together on Christmas Day in 2018Credit: AFP

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The Prince and Princess of Wales smiled as they greeted crowds this ChristmasCredit: Getty