King Charles Was the Last to Learn About Harry and Meghan’s Return to the UK

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly set to return to the UK in the coming days — six years after relocating to the United States. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are planning to spend an extended period in the country with their children, Archie and Lilibet, who are expected to start attending a British school in September, according to the Daily Mail.

The family will stay in a private residence that is not connected to the royal household. Harry and Meghan do not intend to resume royal duties. According to sources, King Charles III learned about his son’s plans only on Sunday — literally on the eve of the expected return. Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, were also informed of the decision.

Sources say Charles “welcomes” the prospect of seeing Harry and his family more often in a personal capacity, but has no intention of changing their status. The Sussexes will remain private citizens and non-working members of the royal family, in accordance with the arrangements reached after their departure from royal life. Sources stress that the return to the UK does not mean Harry and Meghan intend to rejoin the working monarchy.

The Children Will Attend a British School

Seven-year-old Archie and five-year-old Lilibet are expected to begin school in the UK in September. It is not yet known whether the move will be permanent. The location of the couple’s new home has not been disclosed for security and privacy reasons.

The Sussexes also have no plans to give up their American life entirely. They will retain their approximately £11 million mansion in Montecito, where they have lived since moving across the Atlantic. The couple also owns property in Portugal.

The return comes as a surprise given that just six years ago Harry and Meghan shocked the British public by stepping down as working members of the royal family. In 2020, they eventually relocated to California after announcing their decision to withdraw from royal duties.

A Return That Could Further Strain Relations Within the Royal Family

Relations between Harry and his older brother William remain particularly strained. According to sources, the brothers have barely spoken for several years. Their relationship deteriorated significantly following the publication of Harry’s memoir Spare, as well as his interviews and documentary project with Meghan.

Royal expert Phil Dampier believes it will be extremely difficult for William to restore his former relationship with his brother. According to Dampier, the Prince of Wales is focused on the future of his own family and is not prepared to forget Harry’s public statements about the royal family.

At the same time, Harry’s relationship with his father appears to have begun improving gradually. Last month, Harry, Meghan and their children met King Charles III at his private residence, Highgrove. It was the first meeting between the King and Archie and Lilibet in several years and was viewed as a possible step toward reconciliation.

Harry reportedly misses the UK and wants his children to experience life in the country he considers his home. He also hopes that King Charles III will be able to open the next Invictus Games alongside him — an event that could become an important symbol of the restoration of the relationship between father and son.