Prince Harry and Meghan are set to return to the United Kingdom along with their children, as confirmed by Buckingham Palace on Wednesday. The decision to move back was initially reported by The Telegraph and The Sun. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, with their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, will be residing in the UK as private individuals, according to the Palace. Although the exact date of their return was not disclosed, reports suggest it will be in time for their children to commence school in September.
Having stepped away from their full-time royal duties and departing the UK in March 2020, Harry and Meghan relocated to California following a brief stay in Canada. Their relationship with the Royal Family became strained as they openly criticized the monarchy and its members. Harry expressed discontent towards his father and elder brother, Prince William, resulting in a significant rift in their relationship.
During an interview on The Late, Late Show with James Corden in February 2021, Harry mentioned the challenging environment within the Royal Family, prompting his decision to prioritize his family’s well-being. Despite feeling let down by changes in his security arrangements by the British government, Harry emphasized that he never abandoned his responsibilities as a member of the royal family.
In July, Harry was one of several prominent figures who lost a privacy lawsuit against The Daily Mail, alleging unethical behavior by the newspaper’s publisher. Harry testified that the tabloid had severely impacted Meghan’s life. Following the court’s ruling, Harry criticized the decision, labeling it as unjust and biased.
Relations between Harry and his father, King Charles, took a positive turn in September when they met after a 20-month gap. The family recently visited Britain in July, allowing King Charles to reunite with his grandchildren for the first time since 2022. The Palace revealed that King Charles was informed of his son’s relocation plans and welcomed the opportunity to spend more time with the Sussex family in a personal setting.
King Charles, who battled an undisclosed form of cancer in early 2024, underwent successful treatment, prompting a shift to a precautionary phase in December as he responded well to the medical interventions.