Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have decided to return to the United Kingdom for an extended stay starting this fall. They will not resume their roles as working members of the royal family, The Associated Press reported.
The couple’s children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, have already enrolled at British schools and will begin attending classes in September. The family plans to reside at a private, non-royal residence outside London while keeping their properties in Montecito, California, and Portugal.
The couple stepped down from their royal duties over six years ago to pursue financial independence through contracts with Netflix and Spotify. Though their relationship with the royal family has strained, Harry recently expressed a desire for reconciliation, particularly to spend more time with his father, King Charles III, who is undergoing treatment for an undisclosed cancer.
A source has indicated that Meghan will continue to manage her company, As Ever, from the UK, while Harry will focus on his UK-based charities. Despite their tumultuous relationship with the royal family, marked by various allegations and Harry’s memoir “Spare,” they are looking to restore certain family ties, especially after Harry’s legal challenges against British tabloid newspapers.
Harry’s ongoing dispute with the British government over police protection in the UK highlights the complexities of their return. A previous court battle ended unfavorably for Harry, who emphasized the need for protection due to their royal status.
Last month, Harry visited the UK for charity events and was joined by Meghan and their children at King Charles III’s Highgrove estate. This marked the first time in years that Archie and Lilibet had seen their grandfather.
There remains tension between Harry and his brother, Prince William. However, experts like Peter Hunt suggest that Harry’s presence back in the UK could prompt a deeper reconciliation with his father and may pressure William to consider mending their relationship.
The couple’s decision not to comment on the reports reflects Buckingham Palace’s policy of not discussing non-working members of the royal family. As the Sussexes navigate this new chapter, their focus appears to be on rebuilding family ties while maintaining their independence.