Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have decided to return to the United Kingdom with their children, as confirmed by Buckingham Palace on Wednesday. The Telegraph and The Sun were the first to report this development. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, along with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are set to make the move while maintaining their status as private individuals, according to the Palace. Although the exact timeline for their return was not disclosed, media sources suggest they will be back in time for the children to commence schooling in September.
The decision to relocate back to the UK comes after Harry and Meghan stepped back from their royal duties and left the country in March 2020. Following a brief stay in Canada, they eventually settled in California. Their relationship with the Royal Family had soured, with public criticisms directed at the monarchy and the family itself. Harry’s comments, particularly aimed at his father and elder brother, Prince William, led to a breakdown in their relationship.
In a February 2021 interview on The Late Late Show with James Corden, Harry expressed the challenging circumstances he faced and his decision to prioritize his family’s well-being. He also highlighted concerns about changes in his security arrangements by the British government, which affected his ability to bring his children to the UK. Despite these challenges, Harry emphasized that he never intended to “walk away” from his responsibilities.
Additionally, Harry was involved in a legal battle against the publisher of The Daily Mail, where he and other prominent figures lost privacy lawsuits in July. Harry testified about the negative impact on Meghan’s life due to the newspaper’s actions. Following the court’s decision, Harry criticized the outcome, labeling it a “whitewash” and expressing disappointment in the court’s handling of the case.
Relations with the Royal Family seemed to be improving when Harry reunited with his father, King Charles, after a 20-month gap in September. The family visited Britain in July, allowing King Charles to meet his grandchildren for the first time since 2022. The Palace confirmed that the King was informed of the Sussex family’s relocation plans and welcomed the opportunity to spend more time with them in a private setting. King Charles, who faced health challenges with a cancer diagnosis in 2024, showed positive progress following treatment, transitioning to a precautionary phase due to his positive response to medical care.