Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Move Back to UK

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle return to the UK after years in California, raising questions about their relationship with the royal family.

In an unexpected announcement, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have revealed they are relocating back to the U.K. for an extended period, marking a significant return after their departure to California six years ago.

This decision came as a surprise to many, including Harry’s father, King Charles, who was only informed of their plans just days ago. Royal experts suggest that Harry and Meghan’s visit to the U.K. in July played a crucial role in their decision, as they spent quality time with the King and members of Harry’s mother Princess Diana’s family. Their children, 7-year-old Archie and 5-year-old Lilibet, also had the chance to meet relatives they hadn’t seen before.

Laura Bundock, a royal reporter for Sky News, commented on the significance of their recent trip. “I think they had a really good trip here in the summer. Harry isn’t homesick, but I certainly think he wants his kids to understand more about British history and his homeland,” she said.

As part of this move, Archie and Lilibet have been enrolled in schools in the U.K., with the expectation that the family will settle in before the new academic term begins in mid-September.

However, the situation regarding their relationship with the royal family remains complex. While King Charles appears open to spending more time with his son and family, the relationship with Harry’s brother, Prince William, is reportedly strained, particularly following the release of Harry’s memoir “Spare” and their highly publicized interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021, which included serious allegations against some royals.

Bundock added, “Their friendship circles and acquaintances overlap to some extent. But I think to say that this is a moment of great reconciliation between those feuding brothers is far from reality.” This backdrop of family tension complicates Harry and Meghan’s return.

Importantly, Harry and Meghan have clarified that they will not resume any royal duties and will live as private citizens while continuing their work with Archewell Productions and Meghan’s lifestyle brand, As Ever. Although they may explore opportunities in the U.K., their primary operations will remain based in the United States. They have also decided not to sell their residence in Montecito, California, suggesting they could return if they choose to do so.

Despite stepping back from royal duties, Harry’s upcoming public engagements may still appear royal in nature, potentially leading to confusion amongst the public regarding his status. Bundock pointed out, “When you’re looking at Harry, for example, on an Invictus Games engagement, it looks, to all intents and purposes, like a royal engagement. He is still a member of the royal family. He’s just not a working royal.”

Also complicating matters, Harry previously lost a legal battle concerning higher security measures upon returning to the U.K. In interviews, he expressed doubts about returning with his family due to security concerns. Nevertheless, with the couple’s recent decision to return, questions about their safety have come to the forefront.

U.K. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has stated that he has not been briefed on any decisions regarding security for Harry and Meghan, as this responsibility lies with the Royal and VIP Executive Committee. Burnham remarked, “It’s a matter for Harry and for Meghan, and we wish them well in the move that they are making.”

The couple’s openness about their struggles, aired through various interviews and projects, has created friction not only within family dynamics but also within public sentiment towards them. As Bundock explained, “The way they’ve aired these very personal grievances so publicly caused absolutely catastrophic problems and created such suspicion and mistrust, not just within the family but within the wider public as well. So they’ve got work to do, winning over everyone.”