Harry and Meghan return to the UK
Harry and Meghan landed at Birmingham Airport with Archie and Lilibet shortly before midday on Wednesday, August 26, after traveling from California.
Their arrival came just days after news emerged that the family would be returning to the UK for an extended stay.
The couple have lived in Montecito since stepping back from their positions as senior working royals in 2020.
Their departure marked the beginning of a deeply strained period for the Royal Family.
In their 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Harry and Meghan made a series of allegations about their treatment within the institution, including claims that conversations had taken place about how dark Archie’s skin might be before he was born.
The couple later shared further details about royal life in their Netflix documentary, Harry & Meghan, before Harry discussed his fractured relationships with King Charles and Prince William in his memoir, Spare.
The revelations appeared to deepen the divide between the Sussexes and the wider Royal Family, leaving many wondering whether a reconciliation would ever be possible.
What will their new life in the UK look like?
The Sussexes are beginning a new life, with Archie, 7, and Lilibet, 5, due to start school in the UK in September.
The family will live in a private, non-royal residence outside London, although its precise location is being kept confidential.
Their arrival in Birmingham has fueled speculation that they may settle in the Cotswolds, but this has not been officially confirmed.
Harry and Meghan are expected to retain their home in Montecito, meaning their return does not necessarily mark a permanent departure from the US.
The couple have not revealed exactly how long they intend to remain in Britain, although the move has been described as an ‘extended stay.’
Meghan Markle could be preparing for a return to the spotlight
Meghan could be preparing to make a major return to acting as she begins her new life in Britain.
Before marrying Harry, the duchess was best known for playing paralegal Rachel Zane in the legal drama Suits.
She stepped away from the series and her acting career in 2017 ahead of joining the Royal Family.
When asked about a possible comeback in 2022, Meghan appeared to close the door on the profession, saying: “No, I’m done.”
However, she added ‘never say never’ – and speculation about her future on screen has now intensified.
Meghan has been linked to the third season of Guy Ritchie’s hit Netflix series The Gentlemen, starring Theo James and Kaya Scodelario.
Reports suggest she has been involved in early discussions about a potential role, although the character and extent of her possible involvement remain unclear.
Conflicting claims have since emerged, with former Vanity Fair editor Tina Brown alleging that the role had been withdrawn following a backlash in the UK.
However, more recent reports maintain that Meghan remains in early talks and that the part is still being developed as scripts for the new season are finalized.
Netflix has not officially confirmed her casting.
It would not technically be Meghan’s first acting appearance since leaving Suits. She previously filmed a small cameo as herself for the upcoming comedy Close Personal Friends, starring Brie Larson, Lily Collins, Jack Quaid and Henry Golding.
But a role in The Gentlemen would represent her first significant return to acting in almost a decade.
Her potential comeback was initially linked to the Sussexes’ decision to return to Britain, although senior television executives have since dismissed the suggestion that acting was the reason behind the move.
Is a royal comeback on the cards for Prince Harry?
Despite returning to the UK, Harry and Meghan will not resume their former positions as working royals or carry out official engagements on behalf of the King.
The couple formally stepped back from royal duties before moving to North America, bringing their so-called ‘half-in, half-out’ proposal to an end.
Their remaining royal patronages were subsequently returned, although Harry retained his Duke of Sussex title and remains fifth in line to the throne.
The prince has continued working with several charitable organizations outside the Royal Family.
He remains closely associated with the Invictus Games, the international sporting event he founded for wounded, injured and sick military personnel and veterans.
Harry has also supported organizations including WellChild and Scotty’s Little Soldiers and founded the sustainable travel initiative Travalyst in 2019.
How does King Charles really feel about Harry’s return?
Harry’s return could also have significant personal implications for King Charles.
The King was reportedly informed about the Sussexes’ decision only days before their plans became public and is not believed to have been involved in arranging the move.
However, reports suggest Charles welcomes the opportunity to have his younger son and grandchildren living closer to him.
Harry and Meghan visited the King and Queen Camilla at Highgrove with Archie and Lilibet in July.
It was reportedly the children’s first meeting with their grandfather since 2022, marking an important moment in the family’s strained relationship.
Charles is said to hope the move could eventually help bring his two sons closer, although no formal reconciliation has been announced.
Despite the intense public interest surrounding their arrival, Buckingham Palace has declined to comment on the Sussexes’ return.
Harry’s return puts Prince William in a difficult position
Harry’s relationship with Prince William appears to be more complicated.
The brothers have reportedly not spoken for several years, and tensions between them were intensified by the claims Harry made in his memoir, Spare.
Royal experts have suggested that Harry’s return could place William in an ‘unenviable position’ by increasing public pressure for the brothers to reconcile.
Biographer Robert Jobson said the return of the ‘prodigal son’ would be difficult for William and could pressure him to take a ‘more pragmatic’ approach.
However, neither William nor the Princess of Wales has publicly addressed Harry and Meghan’s move.
Reports suggest Charles and William remain united on one important issue: Harry and Meghan will not return as working royals or carry out engagements on behalf of the King.
Prince Harry’s unexpected new role has divided opinion
With Harry returning as a private citizen rather than a working member of the Royal Family, questions have now turned to what his everyday life in Britain will involve.
His reported new role may be very different from the life he once led while carrying out engagements on behalf of the Crown.
However, the suggestion has not been welcomed by everyone.
Some royal followers have questioned whether the description accurately reflects Harry’s privileged lifestyle, pointing to the household staff and additional support the Sussexes are believed to have available to them.
Others have defended the prince, noting that being present for his children does not prevent him from continuing his charitable work.
Harry reveals his surprising ‘new title’
Harry has described himself as a ‘full-time dad,’ leading to reports that his unexpected new title is ‘stay-at-home dad.’
The prince used the description during an appearance on rugby star Joe Marler’s podcast, Joe Marler Will See You Now.
The revelation has since sparked fury among some critics.
One social media user wrote: “You still have nannies, housekeepers, chefs and gardeners. The kids are at school until mid-afternoon. Watching Archie play rugby once a week does not make you a stay-at-home dad.”
Another reacted: “Haz a stay home dad – no f***ing way…”
A third said: “This is ridiculous. They’ve gone too far this time.”
And a fourth commenter echoed the statement, adding: “This has to be a joke. This is ridiculous.”
However, others pointed out that Harry is still expected to continue his work with the Invictus Games and the charities he supports – even if looking after Archie and Lilibet becomes his primary role.